Power Over Demons

   While Jesus was far away, the man saw him. The man ran to
   Jesus and bowed down before him. Jesus said to the man, "You
   evil spirit, come out of that man." So the man shouted with a
   loud voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most
   High God? I beg you to promise to God that you will not
   punish me!"

                           -- Mark 5:6-8 (ERV)

KEY THOUGHT:
In the Gospel of Mark, we learn that the demons know Jesus' true
identity. They fear Jesus and know he has power over them. The man we
meet among the tombs in the cemetery -- a man whose name we never know
because his identity has been stolen by the demons inhabiting him --
does not speak. Instead, the demons speak through his voice. Their
terror at their own defeat at Jesus' hands is revealed. As God's
presence in human flesh -- God's Son -- Jesus is superior to all
beings, heavenly and earthly, good and evil. Not only while he was on
earth and also now at the Father's right hand, he holds the power over
them. They cannot and will not defeat him. Even in the Cross he
triumphs over them because of his sacrificial obedience which purchases
our freedom, pardon, and righteousness.

TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy God, Almighty Abba Father, I praise you for Jesus' power over all
things and all beings. Give me faith to believe this and live
accordingly. While I know I will struggle against the power of Satan
and his angels, I truly believe that through Jesus, victory is mine. I
praise you and thank you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.