The Ministry of Health and Healing

A Demon Rebuked

In the synagogue at Capernaum, while Jesus was speaking of His mission to set free the slaves of sin, He was interrupted by a shriek of terror. A madman rushed forward from among the people, crying out, “‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!’” Mark 1:24. MHH 41.5

Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, “‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’ And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.” Luke 4:35. MHH 41.6

The cause of this man’s affliction was in his own life. He had been fascinated with the pleasures of sin and had thought to make life a grand carnival. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took entire control of him. Remorse came too late. When he would have sacrificed wealth and pleasure to regain control of his life, he had become helpless in the grasp of the evil one. MHH 41.7

In the Savior’s presence he was roused to long for freedom, but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free, but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand, another’s will held him, another’s words were spoken through him. MHH 41.8

The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible. It seemed that the tortured man must die in the struggle with the foe that had been the ruin of his life. But the Savior spoke with authority and set the captive free. The man who had been demon possessed stood before the wondering people in the freedom of self-possession. MHH 41.9

With glad voice he praised God for deliverance. The eye that had so lately glared with the fire of insanity now beamed with intelligence and overflowed with grateful tears. The people were dumb with amazement. As soon as they recovered speech they exclaimed one to another, “‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.’” Mark 1:27 MHH 42.1

Multitudes today are as truly under the power of evil spirits as was the demoniac of Capernaum. All who willfully depart from God’s commandments are placing themselves under the control of Satan. Many tamper with evil, thinking that they can break away whenever they please, but they are lured on and on until they find themselves controlled by a will stronger than their own. They cannot escape its mysterious power. Secret sin or master passion may hold them captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. MHH 42.2

Yet their condition is not hopeless. God does not control our minds without our consent, but all are free to choose what power they want to rule over them. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they may find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan, yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who consent to enter into covenant with God are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. MHH 42.3

“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of the righteous be delivered? ... Thus says the Lord: ‘Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.’” Isaiah 49:24, 25. MHH 42.4

Marvelous will be the transformation made in anyone who by faith opens the door of the heart to the Savior. MHH 42.5