Ref. Luke8, Gal5&6
THE DEMONIACS OF GADARA
V 1-20
APPLICATION
The disciples have joined Jesus in a boat, survived the tremendous test of the storm, and were now able to see another miracle. The Christian life is progressive and we need to walk with the Lord through the storms of life to be able to see increasingly the truth of His word, and as we believe and apply it we see maturity developing in ourselves.
Irrespective of the demon possession of a person, that person can still use their own free will to accept the Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour. The man could not speak, but he could throw himself at the feet of Jesus, and so express positive volition forde liverance. Demon possessed people can still do this – we are to be alert to this.
Demons have a very structured organisation with not all demons being of the same rank. Jesus talked to the head demon who had several thousand other demons under his control, and simply told them all to 「go」.
If one exorcises lower ranked demons from a demon possessed person it is possible that a residual group of higher status demons may remain in that individual. All are to be told to go in Jesus name.
Demons like to be incontrol of people or animals who have a soul. It is therefore possible to have demon controlled animals at times. Demons live forever and they move from person to person or person to animal. A believer cannot be demon possessed, due to the indwelling Holy Spirit, although they can be demon influenced.
One of the easiest ways for the unbeliever to receive a demon is to empty their mind. This is why in the Gospels it says that once a person has been exorcised from an indwelling demon, unless they fill the vacuum formed by the exorcism, the demon will return and bring fellow demons with them so that the future situation is worse than the past. Luke11:21-26.
Countless multitudes still wish Christ far from them, for fear his fellowship may occasion some social, financial or personal loss. Seeking to save their possessions,power, or position they lose their souls. We need to ensure that we do not consider other things than God as more important in the life. Exodus 20:3 gives the first commandment; 「Thou shalt have no other gods before me」.
All who have decided to accept of the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and experienced His saving grace should remember what Jesus said to the cured man. Go home and evangelise, evangelism begins at home.
RAISING OF JAIRUS' DAUGHTER AND CURING THE HAEMOPHILIAC
V 21-43
APPLICATION
Both the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus had placed their problems in the Lord’s hands. 1Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22, Matthew 6:25-27, Philippians 4:4-7. When we place our problems in the Lord’s hands it is logical that our Lord will solve the problem.
It is possible to be ever so near him, without trust in him. It is impossible to touch him by faith without His knowing it and without being benefited.
The Lord deals with situations in different and individually appropriate ways. Firstly, we like the disciples, can see the power of God as we see the miracles occur. Secondly however we see the response to faith and the Lord’s gentleness and encouragement to those under great stress.
Jairus who is under extreme stress/grief pressure,because his only daughter is dying, observes what happens to the woman with the issue of blood and this would have encouraged him. We are sometimes encouraged by the way the Lord deals with others who are suffering, and it is one of the reasons why Christians suffer.
Only a few were allowed to see the miracle of resuscitation, the miracle was for the believers not the scornful unbelievers who were sent away. For the disciples it is to teach them, for the parents it is a lesson of faith and for the girl a new opportunity for a life of service for the Lord.
More information please read the NOTE:71-2A -2 MARK Ch 5-8 short version.doc
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.(Mark5:36 KJV)
耶穌聽見所說的話，就對管會堂的說：「不要怕，只要信！」 (馬可福音5:36 和合本)
29/11/2020