Voice of a Savior

We constantly make choices about what gets to have our attention - what voice we’re going to listen to. In Mark 1:21-28, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue and the people were amazed at Jesus' authority.

22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)

Here, authority means the sovereign freedom of one who acts without hindrance. Jesus was not bound by tradition, his leadership was not tied up in power given by man. Jesus was not beholden to any lobbyists, and everyone could see that the only one pulling his strings was God.

Then, in verse 23, there was a man with an “unclean spirit” - we might say possessed. The unclean spirit spoke:

24 and 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." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" (Mark 1:24-25)

The spirit came out of the man and once again the people were amazed at Jesus’ authority. But we notice that the spirit, unclean and evil, spoke the truth, and Jesus told him to be silent. Jesus could have held his head high and said, “See even the unclean spirits know who I am.” But Jesus understood that his Father’s voice was the only voice that mattered. If God didn’t say it, it might as well not be said.

We are all bombarded with competing voices. Life daily throws lies at us that masquerade as truth - not even counting the political systems all over the world. The media tells us what we need to have and what we need to be, not for our betterment, but just to acquire our money. People in our lives often encourage behaviors and tendencies in us that benefit them even if it’s not beneficial to us. Sometimes our own minds fight to keep us bound to fear, self doubt, worry, or anger just because that’s what our minds are used to. But Jesus offers us his authority - the sovereign freedom of one who acts without hindrance. Jesus seeks not to take from us for his gain, but to give us abundant life, and here are just a few things that Jesus says:

Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Matt. 10:30-31

For whoever shall do the will of God — the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother. — Mark 3:35

I will not leave you comfortless — I will come to you. — John 14:18

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! — John 16:33

Life speaks in many voices -

Each one’s calling you.

Life has many choices.

What will you choose?

Will you choose to live in:

Doubt

Will you choose to live in:

Fear

Or will you choose to live in:

Hope

Will you choose to dry your

Tears