21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “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!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 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.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. Mark 1:21-28)
One of the creepiest books and movies ever was William Blatty’s “The Exorcist”. I grew up watching and enjoying the Saturday afternoon “monster movies” on television. You might remember those cheesy, low budget movies with the “not so special” effects. Memorable scenes such as the obvious zipper on the rubber suit in the Creature from the Lost Lagoon or the bats hanging from strings in the old Dracula movies. We weren’t very scared and laughed at what was on the screen. But not so with “The Exorcist”. No sir! It was 1973 when that film came out. Father Merrin and Father Karras do an epic battle with evil as they try to drive the evil spirit from a young girl. I wasn’t a kid any more, but that movie scared the beejeebers out of me. Everyone else too as the film was named the scariest ever by a number of movie reviews.
I wonder if the scene at the synagogue in Capernaum had the same effect on the people there. They went to church that Sabbath to hear this young, radical rabbi from Galilee preach, and to their horror, the church service was interrupted by a possessed person screaming at the teacher. That is probably much worse than a cell phone going off with a BeeGee’s ring tone. But Jesus overpowered the possessing spirit and good won out over evil. People probably remembered that church service for a long time.
Fortunately, we don’t have any impure spirits in us now days. Nothing “possesses” us and we are entirely in control of our desires, thoughts, emotions and habits. We always do and think exactly what we are supposed to. We sure don’t need Jesus’ help and authority to rid us of evil things or avoid the snares laid by the pagans in our society. As I write these words, my head hangs low because these words convict me. They mock me. I just wish I was pure and sinless. I wish I had complete control over thought and emotions. But the truth is that I do not. I need Jesus’ help each day as I fight sin and temptation in my life. But as I remember my salvation and the freedom from the cords of sin, I can lift my head. Jesus is on our side and he drives the evil from our lives. All we have to do is ask. For this grace, we thank God.
Joy!
Pastor Bill