First Reading: Heb 2:5-12; Psalm: 8. R. v. 7a; Gospel: Mk 1:21b-28

THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The Jewish Synagogue was a place for prayer, worship and study. For any of these spiritual exercises to take place, there must be at least a minimum of ten people. When Jesus entered the synagogue, it was on a Sabbath, the Jewish day of worship. Supposedly, a large number of people were seated there as Jesus stepped up to teach. While Jesus taught them, they were astonished because he taught without any scroll or point of reference in contrast to what their scribes do. Jesus taught with authority for his teachings came directly from him. Surely, he is the Word of God himself in human flesh.

Aside the surprise of the people on Jesus’ authority, something extraordinary happened while Jesus taught them. Somebody from the crowd seated in the synagogue started manifesting signs of demonic possession. He cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” This manifestation of the possessed man reveals the power in God’s Word. Recall that Jesus was not addressing him directly but was only teaching the people, and the possessed man started manifesting. Evidently, the Word of God unsettles the Devil. And with authority Jesus defeats him.

Over familiarity can often make us underestimate the power of God’s Word. There is power in studying and praying with the scriptures. The Evil one feels uncomfortable whenever we pick up the Bible. The Bible is a spiritual warfare against the Devil because when the light shines, darkness dissipates. We can as individuals or family create time to study and pray with the Bible. When we make the praying and studying of God’s Word a daily exercise in our families, we chase the Devil away and keep him at bay from our homes. Pick up your Bible today; it is a powerful weapon against the Devil.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, increase our desire and love for your Word; that we may war against Satan and sin. Amen.