January 29, 2012

Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28 Speaking with Authority; Be Thou My Vision – UMH 451 Deuteronomy: In the stories of Moses, we learn that it was not an easy thing to talk with God. God’s voice was very scary, and his face was not intended to be seen. If someone was not properly trained, then they could get seriously hurt in talking with God. Yet the people longed to have a word from God. God promised them that God would raise up a prophet from amongst them that would be properly trained and properly gifted to be a prophet. But the people still have the problem of determining if that prophet knows what he is talking about – is he from God, or from elsewhere. Today, we have to wonder if our prophets are leading us in the right direction. But today all we have to do is read the bible and learn from Jesus ourselves. Mark: Jesus is our prophet today. He speaks with authority, because He is one with the Father. As Jesus begins his ministry to the people, he starts to speak in the synagogues and to exorcise demons. But unlike others, who say that they speak on behalf of God, Jesus speaks directly. Not only do the people listen, the demons flee. Who is this person, and why does he speak with such authority. Once again, if we become his disciples, and we study his words and we obey his ways, we too have that same authority in our lives. We can speak confidently, and know that God is behind us; Just as long as we are behind God. We can address the evil that we see, and expect something to be done about it. But we have to be steeped in the truth of God. It is not a task to take lightly to address evil with authority. Questions: Is there anyone who has a prophetic voice today? How do we determine if what they are saying is really right? Do you know of people who claim to be prophets, who are misleading people? What are the demons of our society that must be driven out? How do we learn the teachings of Jesus? How do gain the authority to speak as Jesus spoke? (This is an easy question).