Thursday, October 28, 2010

Restoring Inner Peace

Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!”

Mark 1:25 (The Message)

Isn’t it interesting that the first healing, found in the gospel of Mark, is one where Jesus expels a demon that has found a home in the synagogue? Having arrived in Capernaum Jesus heads immediately to the synagogue and begins teaching. Right there smack in the middle of the synagogue, where they gathered for the Sabbath, the first recognition of Jesus’ identity comes from a demon. The encounter sets the stage for the drama that increasingly unfolds as Jesus begins his ministry. The demons consistently recognize the power of a Jesus spoken word.

In my life I've experienced varying degrees of difficulties. Usually, just when I’m setting the table for a good pity party for one, along comes a “perspective” story. It’s always a story of someone else’s difficulties that simply ruins my well laid table of self pity! Of course, I shouldn’t be having pity parties to begin with; Jesus doesn’t want to be a guest at my pity party. He wants to heal me, inside out.

When I find myself with issues that “drive me insane”, problems that “torment me”, or worries that “plague me” Jesus willingly speaks into my turmoil, “Quiet! Get out of her.” These are the words that will drive out the “demons”, healing me from the inside out, restoring my inner peace.

Jesus, thank you that you have the authority
to speak the words, “Quiet! Get out of her!”,
bringing me healing from the inside out.
Amen.

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