Power Filled or Pew Warmer?

A demon possessed man began to cry out during Jesus sermon, trying to drown Him out. “What do you want with us? Leave us alone, Holy One of God,” they screeched through the man’s voice. “Be quiet!” Jesus said. “And come out of him.” Suddenly the man fell to the floor in convulsions as the demons fled from Jesus presence (Mark 6).

This man had attended the synagogue his entire life and never heard God’s word delivered with the power to free him. For years he’d fulfilled the religious requirements that ‘guaranteed’ his soul was saved, but he went home week after week with the same agonizing company of demonic spirits holding him captive.

This was the religion of Jesus’ day – a system of do’s and don’ts that gave false hope. But Jesus came to blow the cover off of false hope and bring Truth. He came to free every captive that is in any way bound or influenced by the lies of the enemy – and that is all of mankind.

People were ‘astonished’ at Jesus teaching – for the first time in their lives they felt loved, alive and empowered! Could this be the Christ?! The religious leaders watched nervously – afraid that something might break out in “their” service – they might lose control of the people and be powerless to rule their lives. They had worked so long and hard to create subservient pew warmers - was Jesus going to take that pleasure away from them now?

But it was too late – the people were awed and amazed at the power and freedom they felt in Jesus’ presence. He didn’t follow man’s protocol or tip toe around religious ceremony – He was there to bring freedom to the captives.

When Jesus opened the door to the synagogue that day he pulled down religious practices! Religion keeps us bound – but Jesus sets us free. Religion calls us to strive for position – but Jesus Christ brings freedom and anointing to do His works. Religion demands that we serve its master – but Jesus Christ came to serve and calls us to serve others.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Jesus Christ and upon His Body! God has anointed Him and His Body to set captives free –to proclaim liberty to captives and to open prison doors (Isaiah 61).

You are His Body – you are freedom to those who are captive – set them free by the power of God!