What Works and What Doesn’t Work Against the Forces of Evil

Over time we tend to become practical people. We start to know what works and what doesn’t in our jobs and families and personal relationships. We only have so much energy to expend, so we try to invest it where there’s a good chance of it being a worthwhile investment.

Battling the evil forces of the devil all around us is most certainly a good use of our time. What works against such powerful enemies? Jesus’ healing of a boy possessed by an impure spirit (Mark 9:14-29) gives us insight.

The father of the boy brought him to Jesus in a desperate state. Possession by an evil spirit, convulsions, foaming at the mouth, and rolling on the ground had been part of his life since childhood, and no one could do anything about it. When the man and his son arrived, Jesus was not present, so his disciples tried to take on the task. And that is where we see what works and what doesn’t work.

The father comments to Jesus on the disciples’ attempt: “I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” (9:18) With Jesus it was very different: “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (v.25) … Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (v.26)

So what went wrong the first time? . . . . 

Jesus had given the Twelve the ability to drive out evil spirits in one of their earlier missions (Mark 6:7,13). It becomes clear that this time they did not go out with the Lord’s command, or ask for his power (see the reference to prayer in 9:29).

Even if we are believers, we need strengthening in our faith to continually realize that it is God’s power and not our own.

The Psalmist writes,

6 I put no trust in my bow,
    my sword does not bring me victory;
7 but you give us victory over our enemies …. (Psalm 44:6-7)

Our eternal salvation is God’s work in Christ, not ours. And so it is with everything in the spiritual struggles we face. Don’t face evil alone with only your resources and wisdom and might. Look to the Lord, ask for his strength, and trust in his victory over the devil!

He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. (Mark 7:34-35)34 

The world of Jesus’ day was multilingual, much as many of our world’s communities are. Jesus himself may well have spoken more than one language. In the healing of the deaf and mute man in Mark 7, we have one utterance of Christ in Aramaic – likely the most common spoken language in Israel at the time – and then the translation for us. “Ephphathah,” meaning “be opened.”

There are a few times when Aramaic words were recorded in the New Testament. Here it may remind us of the power of Jesus’ actual words.

I am currently reading a book in which the author points out one of the main differences between . . . . the Christian faith and general “spirituality” in this way: in our Christian faith our God speaks! Communication is always the key to any relationship, and our relationship with God is no exception. In “spirituality” there is no communication. Just some vague and changing ideas and impressions.

We note Jesus’ compassion in taking the man aside and communicating to him in a way he could understand what would soon happen. Not being able to hear, this small act of kindness would have been especially meaningful.

Although the true power came about when he spoke. “Be opened!” The man’s ears were opened and his tongue loosed. He could talk and hear.

Our God speaks, and things happen. Amazing and supernatural things.

“Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). The beginning of creation. … faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17). Faith Jesus as our Savior is created. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

All is carried out according to God’s plan.

God’s speaking is power for our good! Rejoice that God speaks to you, and listen to his words in faith.

What does it take to be a good leader? Good question!

What does it take to be a good follower? Just as good of a question!

We will all have some leadership in life in our families, church ministry, the workplace and community groups. Others will imitate our example or listen to our advice or look to us to guide them. And we want to lead well.

Being a good follower is equally desirable. In our Christian walk with the Lord, we will never be the ultimate and highest leader. Jesus took that position when he stood out in front of us to sacrifice his life for our forgiveness, and then to be the first to rise from the dead with the promise of bringing us with him to eternal life. His teaching leads and guides us with the authority of God himself. With the Lord before us and beside us, we will always look to his lead in the matters of his kingdom.

We all have the opportunity to fine-tune our ability to follow in a way that is beneficial for ourselves and others. Join us we strive for excellence in Christian “followership” over the next few weeks at worship!

A common recipe for a happy life would most likely include some of these words and phrases, among others:

success     financial security     influence
connections     fulfilling your dreams

Moses had all those things from early on as one who grew up in the pharaoh’s palace. But these are words and phrases from the life he chose to live instead from Hebrews 11:24-28:

refused to be known” (v.24) “mistreated” (v.25) “disgrace” (v.26)
“not fearing the king’s anger” (v.27)  “kept the Passover” (v.28)

He traded in a comfortable life in one of the world’s great ancient civilizations for a life that honored God, his religious practices and his people of Israel. All by faith! And, as a result, his choices led him into . . . . direct confrontation with the king himself.

We admire a president who holds a baby from the crowd or takes time to read books to children or has a conversation with a regular Joe like you or me. Some might consider that a sacrifice for someone of presidential status. Moses’ sacrifice was far greater in giving up that privileged life completely in order to follow God’s plan.

We don’t choose to become believers in Christ. That is God’s work by grace. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we do make choices in how we live out our life. Challenge yourselves as new people in Christ to take the path of God’s will: spiritual growth over merely the growth of your personal conveniences, integrity over quick gains, boldness in your faith life over fear of the opinions of the crowds.

We, like Moses, are looking ahead. By faith we give up some of what many would consider the “good life” for the better life with God through Jesus Christ.
He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. (Hebrews 11:26)

It’s an honor to be invited into someone’s home and to sit down to a meal they prepared especially for you and your family. The home is a sacred area that not just anyone is able to enter. The host has some reason to want you there. The table is lovingly set with all the little details that make it an enjoyable experience. Extra care was put into the food and drink. You are welcomed and shown hospitality in a unique and special way.

Several times in the book of Proverbs wisdom is pictured as a lady who invites us to a dinner at her home. Chapter nine is one of those times.
1 Wisdom has built her house;
    she has set up its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
    she has also set her table. (9:1-2)

One commentator mentions that three pillars might be normal for a house in those times. Seven is a large home. Like . . . . in one of the nicer neighborhoods of our communities. Seven is also a number for completeness in the Scriptures, so we have an indication that this house of wisdom doesn’t lack anything. The meal is elegant and delicious.
She has sent out her servants, and she calls
    from the highest point of the city (9:3).

This is not a secret! God’s wisdom is not for a select few. All are welcome.
“Let all who are simple come to my house!” (9:4)
Leave your simple ways and you will live …. (9:6)

The invitation is to the “simple.” Not a complimentary term. Proverbs 14:15 can help us get a handle on what being spiritually “simple” refers to in this book: The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. “Simple” would be following any ideas that pop up or current fads, being naïve about the spiritual life with God and the greatness of God’s kingdom, easily deceived by the attractions of the world. A temptation for us all in our sinful nature.

God’s wisdom points us to our Savior Jesus, to a life of service and love, to a greater purpose and knowing who we are in Christ. We are surrounded by opportunities to grow in the wisdom of the Lord at home, at church, and really wherever we go.

You’re invited! All has been prepared with grace and love by our God. The feast of God’s wisdom in his Word is ready for your enjoyment.

There’s not much better than the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning! Bread is one of the oldest foods in many cultures around the world. From flatbread to baguettes to brioche buns to breads for special occasions like challah in Jewish celebrations.

You may consider yourself a bread aficionado. You may even make your own at home. We’re all very familiar with bread. Jesus took that well-known and delicious staple of life and turned it into a whole discourse with the crowds in Galilee. What exactly did Jesus mean in calling himself the Bread of Life? Join us for three Sundays on a sermon series from the gospel of John, chapter 6!

During the coverage of the Paris Olympics these past few days there have been a number of stories told of the lives of the athletes behind the scenes. At least a couple of them touched on the topic of the mental stress and mental blocks that can lead to a loss of confidence in their ability to perform at that level. Elite athletes need a healthy dose of confidence, or their dedication and love of the sport are not likely to translate into success.

No less important than success in athletics is our daily “success” at life in family, work, spiritual growth, and personal relationships. Fear can be a hindrance. Real or imagined, many sources of anxiety and fear creep into everyone’s lives.

Jesus’ disciples . . . . encountered both real and imagined fears one night on a lake. A wind against them as they were struggling to row their boat in the night in the middle of the lake was a real concern. Imagining that the figure walking towards them was a ghost and becoming terrified was not a real concern. The ghost was not there. It was Jesus.

No one wants to live a “fear-filled” life. The regular therapy and mind training that some athletes and others may recommend could be part of a solution to our own real or imaginary fears. But only part. We need a reference point greater than ourselves or other people.
Jesus’ advice is simpler. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Mark 6:50) Knowing Jesus and who he is, is the antidote to fear.

That’s what the disciples had forgotten. The account in the Gospel of Mark interestingly explains that to us: … for they had not understood about the loaves … (Mark 6:52). The disciples had just seen the miraculous feeding of the five thousand men together with any family members that were along with them. The miracle pointed to Jesus as the same God who had fed Israel in the desert, and was now in the world as the Messiah to save.
Seeing what Jesus has done is enough for us. His care and providence. His death and resurrection. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:25).

Have you understood the lesson of the loaves? God came into the world and showed many times that he was God in the person of Jesus. God in our world watches over us, forgives us and saves us. Take courage!