Even the Demons Believe

I apologize profusely for not posting for a week now. I've been a bit busy, but that is certainly no excuse. I will make every effort not to allow it to happen again. Monday, I was able to kayak the beautiful Pine River, easily the most fun river in the lower peninsula. If you are ever in the area, especially in late summer, it is well worth the effort. Because the river is mostly spring fed, it stays cold and runs quick even when other rivers are a tepid trickle.

On to the text. It's a bit longer this time, and I like to look at this as the 2nd of an 3 part series on demonstrating Christs authority in increasingly impressive accounts.

1. Jesus has authority over nature. (Mark 4:35-41)
2. Jesus has authority over supernatural. (Mark 5:1-20)
3. Jesus has authority over the unnatural. (Mark 5: 21-43)

Mark 5:1-20
So, in this section, we're looking at Christs authority over the supernatural: namely, his power over demons. I'd like to point out the ease at which Christ deals with a legion of demons. The man has become out of control, unable to be stopped due to the forces within Him, and yet Christ easily, simply demands the name of the demon, then orders them out. It is clear from the passage that the demons are intimidated by the power of Christ. Their first request is "Don't hurt me!"

In spite of His amazing power, Christ is so merciful that he complies. It is amazing to me that His mercy can, on occasion, extend it even to those who have long ago made their final decision to reject Him. If this is his attitude toward demons, how can we ever fail to have mercy on our fellow men, who are still within the reach of his saving grace? We have this same power, and capacity for mercy, at our disposal. The Holy Spirit who indwells us allows us to access this same authority
Finally, look at the reaction of the people who know the man. They are simply angry and afraid of Christ's power. Rather than being ecstatic at the man who's life was put back together, they become angry at their loss of property. This is the reaction of people who were afraid of a demon possessed man. Their fear of Christ's power is more latent, but just as real, as that of the demons. We can expect the same fear