Hope in the Darkness: Daily Devotions for Overcoming Obstacles

MONDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2023

TEXT: Luke 4:31-44

31: Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people.

32: They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.

33: In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,

34: “Go away! 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!”

35: “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

36: All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!”

37: And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

38: Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.

39: So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

40: At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

41: Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.

42: At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.

43: But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

44: And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: JESUS HAS THE POWER

In traditional African society, people are afraid of the powers of witches, wizards, native doctors, etc. But these can be subdued by the name of Jesus Christ because all authority and powers belong to Him. Therefore, instead of fear, we should stress the power in the name of Jesus Christ (vs. 31).

Today's text demonstrates the power of Jesus Christ (vs. 32-34) which demons recognized and cried out in fear. Sicknesses, fear, etc, listened to the rebuke of Jesus and fled (vs. 38-41). All of these and more Jesus Christ will do for those who put their trust in Him, no matter the problems they face.

QUESTION: Do you know that Jesus Christ has the power to save, deliver and heal you from any problem you may be facing?

PRAYER: Oh Lord, help me to always know and believe that You have the power to save, deliver and heal me from any sickness, difficulties, frustrations, etc, in Jesus name. Amen.