Good News
This is an audio recording of Good News the Day 24 entry in Today for Seafarers (Vol. 1) devotional by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Sheila Margerrison or read the text below:
“They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus
went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”
News is everywhere in our world. In more and more ports, seafarers are getting access to the Internet and the news media from their home country. So much news is out there that often it is confusing. What is good news, and what is bad; what is true, and what is not?
The book of Mark presents us with really good news. Jesus did many miracles during his public ministry. He taught with power, and he did miracles to certify that his teaching was true. In this passage we see a man who was demon possessed. This man confronted Jesus. But Jesus was in total control of the situation. He gave a direct command for the demon to come out of the man. Jesus didn’t need any dances, incantations, or spells to confront the impure spirit. Just his simple words were quite enough.
What did this show? First, Jesus had astonishing power over forces that no one had previously been able to control. This event also highlights that Jesus knew about the great spiritual battles around us. Though Christ has already defeated the devil, he is still trying to fight today. One of Jesus’ followers put it this way: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Evil spiritual forces are indeed dangerous.
But there is good news! Evil powers are no match for Jesus, who is far more powerful. Jesus shows that his followers cannot be destroyed by forces of evil. If Jesus is our Savior, if we have faith in him, he will protect us.
For Further Thought
Why do we need to understand the great spiritual battles of our time?
Why do we need Jesus’ protection?
Is Jesus your Savior? Explain.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for your good news. Thank you for delivering us from sin, the world, and the devil. Help us to trust in your power. Amen.
