February 23, 2024 

Today’s Reading: 

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 13:1-18, Genesis 14:1-24, Mark 5:1-20

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. (Mark 5:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today’s reading is one that could be a horror movie. A demon possessed man, crying out, cast from society, dwelling in the place of death, the tombs. Chains cannot hold him, chains cannot bind him, he is in agony. A horrific sight, indeed. It sort of recalls many modern horror films revolving around possession (hang with me). I used to watch these movies before I realized they were bad for me. And while watching them there was always a common theme. Evil was greater than God. Time after time there was someone acting in the name of Christ, and they were deemed to be utterly powerless. As if Christ Himself was powerless. Poor film making if you ask me. That is not what we encounter in today’s reading.

As Jesus enters the scene, there is no match for Him. The demons tremble in fear at His presence and beg for mercy at His command. These demons do not battle against Him, but they bow before Him. This is not the Jesus of low budget horror films, this is Jesus, the Son of God and Lord of all. They obey His command. Evil is not greater than God, not in reality. Jesus comes to conquer over evil, and conquer He does. There is a beautiful irony here in this narrative. 

The demon possessed man dwells in the tombs, the place of death, no chain can hold him, and he cries out. Evil has got a hold of this man. But Jesus would go, and He would be chained. He would be crucified, and from the cross He would cry out. From there, He would go to the grave, yet the grave could not keep Him. Jesus uses the means of evil as His tools for victory. This is your God, and this is who loves you. Legions of evil cannot keep Him from you. Legions of sin cannot keep it from you. Legions of death cannot keep Him from you.  Thanks be to God, to the Lord of all creation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

At the name of Jesus  Ev’ry knee shall bow,  Ev’ry tongue confess Him  King of glory now.

’Tis the Father’s pleasure  We should call Him Lord,  Who from the beginning  Was the mighty Word. (LSB 512:1)

– Pastor Caleb Weight is associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.