Lent: With One VoiceSample

WHO IS THIS?

This passage and the stories around it tell of Christ’s power. Mark records how no one could control or bind the demon possessed man (v.4). He howls wildly and roams the tombs. No one is strong enough to subdue him (v.4). But when he meets Jesus, he falls to his knees (v.6). He pleads and begs Jesus not to harm him (v.7, 12). We shouldn’t be surprised, since Mark tells us Jesus is all-powerful. He commanded the storm to cease (4:35-41). A life-long hemorrhage was healed at the touch of His garment (5:21-43). Jesus awakened a dead child a few hours later. Jesus has power over nature, sickness and even death. A legion of evil spirits was no match for Him. ‘Who is this?’ the disciples asked (4:41). He is the almighty God, who is also our Savior. And as long as He is my Savior, I have nothing to fear.

FOR REFLECTION
• What do we actually think Jesus is like? Is He only meek and mild? Feeble even? How does the Bible portray Jesus?
• Even as storms raged and the wild man howled, Jesus was calmly in control.
• In a similar way, as others led Him to the cross, it was He who was in full control.
• Can we take comfort in knowing that Christ, God Almighty, is in control today over all areas of our life and fully trust Him?

PRAYER
King of heaven, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit whom You’ve sent to be with us. Thank You that even as the situations around us escape our grasp, nothing surprises You. Help us to trust in Your Son Jesus Christ, not only for our salvation, but in all areas of our lives. Help us to rest in Your presence and be freed to live each day to the fullness of Your glory. In Jesus's name, Amen.