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The Ministry of Healing
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 found utterance through him.
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The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for
freedom was terrible. It seemed that the tortured man must lose
his life in the struggle with the foe that had been the ruin of his
manhood. But the Saviour spoke with authority and set the captive
free. The man who had been possessed stood before the wondering
people in the freedom of self-possession.
With glad voice he praised God for deliverance. The eye that
had so lately glared with the fire of insanity now beamed with intel-
ligence 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? a new teaching! with authority He
commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
Mark
1:27
, R.V.
There are multitudes today 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 a man tampers with evil, thinking that he can break
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away at pleasure; but he is lured on and on, until he finds himself
controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape its
mysterious power. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a
captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum.
Yet his condition is not hopeless. God does not control our minds
without our consent; but every man is free to choose what power
he will have to rule over him. 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.
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive
delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty
shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: