With Authority

Set the Captives Free  by Laura Gentry

The Text:

Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. Mark 1:25-26


The Whispering:

On Sunday, we will hear a passage from Mark’s Gospel that recounts Jesus’ teaching and healings at the temple in Capernaum. It is early on in Jesus’ ministry, and yet, the text tells us, all who were present were amazed at his “authority.” That word struck me.

While we could focus on the mechanics of teaching and driving out demons, perhaps we should consider instead what Jesus’ ministry really entailed. It is clear that Jesus expected his disciples to both preach and drive out demons as the way of bringing about the Kingdom of God. Did he expect as much out of us, his 21st century disciples?

In what ways are we using our authority as children of God and as disciples of Jesus to bring about the Kingdom of God? And do we even have to worry about demons anymore?

Oh, God, that is why I fled at the beginning; for I knew you were a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. - Jonah 4:2

Is there a better book in the whole Bible than the Book of Jonah? Children love it; the idea of being swallowed up into a whale's belly frightens and delights every young child's imagination. What's it like in there? Is it pink or is it dark? Is it slippery or is it slimy?

But as adults, we realize Jonah's story is our story. It's a story about being called by God, and our reluctance to step out in faith and just do it. Jonah only found himself in that whale's belly because he was running away from God.

This week, we are offered a glimpse into God's grace. God called Jonah, and Jonah ran away. God retrieved Jonah, and sent him out again. God gave Jonah a second chance to be obedient. And God's will was accomplished. Jonah pouted, and Jonah was angry with God, but God's will was accomplished.

Have you run from God?
What second chances has God offered you?

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
- 1 Samuel 3:9

"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

One of my favorite stories is the calling of Samuel. I think what I most enjoy about it is the simplicity of young Samuel's answer. It is without limits and without guile. He honestly wants to hear what God has to say. I wonder whether we're as open to simply listening as Samuel was.

We are so busy.
We are so overwhelmed by input: 24 hour media, computer and phone accessibility. There is an incessant barrage of information being leveled at us; and yet, Elijah described God as having a "still, small voice." How do we hear it? And how do we listen for God's voice or discern God's call to us in the midst of the complexities of our lives?

How? This week, just sit with that question.
How do you hear God's voice?

And a voice came from heaven,
"You are my Child, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."




Maybe every baptism is like that; a voice comes from heaven and says, "YOU! You are my beloved and with you I am well pleased!" And maybe every time we renew our Baptismal Covenant (as we will do this Sunday) God is whispering that same sentiment into our hearts and souls.

And yet, in those nights of self-doubt and suffering, do we still believe ourselves beloved? Because we are. All of us have times of doubt and forgetfulness, but we are God's beloved children. When someone among us forgets that, or stops believing that, it is then when we, the Church, spring into action: encouraging all those who have forgotten their own beloved-ness. It is why we are here: to encourage each other in the faith, to lift up the broken-hearted, to sustain those whose faith has been shaken.

This week, ask yourself who near you may have forgotten their own beloved-ness. Who needs a note or a call? Who needs a prayer?
Who needs a smile or a word of encouragement?
They are waiting for us.

This is our calling as people of the Way.