Mark 1:21 They entered K’far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching. 22 They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.
23 In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted, 24 “What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” 25 But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, “Be quiet and come out of him!” 26 Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him. 27 They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, “What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” 28 And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil. (Complete Jewish Bible)
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Authority. As boss in my little office, I can choose copier paper freely. It's a simple, natural thing. It was that simple and natural for Jesus, Son of God, to teach the Hebrew Scriptures. It was that simple and natural for Jesus to tell a noisy and chaotic spirit, "Shut up and get out!"
But choosing copy paper is not my main job. Teaching Scripture and rebuking spirits weren't Jesus' main jobs. No, God authorized Jesus--and through Jesus, God authorizes me and you--to "proclaim the good news of God." Simply and naturally that good news is this: It's time! God's effective presence is as close as your right hand. Adjust your strategy for living. Live as though it's really true! (Mark 1:15).
Holy God, let us know and love you as Jesus knew you. Give us authority to proclaim your good news simply, naturally with complete confidence. Amen.
Brenda Satrum, '93
Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Mont.
Mark 1:21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit,
24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"
26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching--with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."
28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. (New Revised Standard Version)
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