The Noisy Devil Cast Out By the Quiet Deliverer

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 1, 2015

Mark 1:23-26

The Noisy Devil Cast Out By the Quiet Deliverer

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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Though devils all the world should fill,

All eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill;

They shall not overpow'r us.

This world's prince may still

Scowl fierce as he will,

He can harm us none.

He's judged; the deed is done!

One little Word can fell him. (A Mighty Fortress, stanza 3)

Jesus went to the Jewish place of worship, the synagogue, and began to teach with authority that the kingdom of heaven was near. But what often seems to happen when God's Word is taught faithfully for the first time in a new place happened there: the Devil tried his best to divert attention to himself.

The Devil and his underlings are so noisy. They scream and they shout. They shake and they shriek. But all of their noise is unable to overcome the firm words of that Jesus of Nazareth.

Dear friends, as we repeat and affirm the promises of Jesus in our lives, don't be surprised when we encounter the noisy attacks of our own sinful flesh and from the world and from the Devil. Noise is not a substitute, but in our time style has replaced substance as what is most important. The Devil is counting on this confusion of noise as a substitute for real authority.

All we can do is to stand firm in Christ's quiet words that deliver us from evil and the Evil One. When Jesus speaks the filthy demon out of that man at church, He tells the demon to be muzzled like one would muzzle an animal. And the demon does. He must do as God's Son demands.

How comforting for us! Even our worst and ugliest enemies must surrender to our Savior. His Words drive away our foes.

And immediately a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit cried out, "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!"

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be muzzled and come out of him!"

The unclean spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. (Mark 1:23-26)

Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

Alleluia! Amen.

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For a further discussion of this portion of Mark 1, listen to this podcast by Prof. Deutschlander:

http://welswwd.weebly.com/deutschlander-seminars.html

The Pastors's Bible Class, Part 2 (2012) by Prof. Daniel Deutschlander

Pastor's Bible Class 2012 - Part 1 - Prof. Daniel Deutschlander