ESOCS Devotional 9 September 2022
TEXT: MATTHEW 8: 23-34
MEMORY VERSE: “And behold, they cried out saying, what have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” – Matthew 8: 29 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In our text today, Jesus demonstrated His authority and absolute power over nature and over demonic forces. In vss. 23/24, after a weary day, He withdrew from the mammoth crowd to take some rest. Amidst a great storm, Jesus fell comfortably asleep. The storm was so much that the disciples in the boat with Him cried out for help. They even wondered how He could sleep in the midst of such a windy storm.
But Jesus slept, unconcerned, for He knew He could control the elements of nature (Mark 5: 1-17, Luke 8: 26-37). However, at their request, He rebuked the winds and the sea became calm again. What manner of man is this Jesus, that even the rough winds would obey Him? (Psalms 89:9, 93:4).
In vss. 28/29, strong demons recognized Him as the Son of God. They wondered why He should come after them before their appointed time of final destruction. They even begged Him, and asked for permission from Him to enter into the herd of swine. This is an indication that there is no comparison of power between Jesus and Satanic forces. So, at His command, the demons left their victim and made for the herd of swine for refuge.
These two great miracles are indications to believers that with Jesus in their affairs, they have nothing to fear. Jesus could raise the dead (John 11:43, Luke 7:14). Jesus opened the eyes of the blind (Mark 10: 46-52). Jesus could cleanse leprosy (Matthew 10:8). The lame, He made to walk (Matthew 11:5).
There is no challenge under the sun that can match the authority of Jesus. He truly has absolute power over nature and over unclean spirits – including that of Satan. With Him on our side, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Come let us adore Him. He is Christ, the King of kings.
CHALLENGES: If Jesus is truly the acclaimed Grand Commander of the universe, why do some Christians still turn aside to other gods?
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, some trust in chariots, some in horses; please grant me the grace to trust Thee and Thee alone.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 6: 1-7; Daniel 10: 15-21; Revelation 7:1-17.
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ESOCS Devotional 9 September 2022
