Subject to the King

Mark 5:6-10 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
 
WHAT would it be like if you lived in total subjection to a king? As a subject of the king, you would be committed to obey to his commands. His authority would absolutely rule your life.
   Scripture repeatedly shows the demons know Jesus is the King of Kings, the Most High God. When the demon says, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” he submits to Jesus by revealing his name. This is a terrible thing for the man. “Legion” could refer to the number 2,040, the number of men in a Roman Legion! Demonic possession is relentless. Still, they truly know God is the absolute authority. They understand they exist only because God allows them exist. Demons also know that because they followed Satan from heaven, they will follow him into torment. Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
   Still this evil army possessing the man wanted a measure of God’s favor. They begged Jesus again not to send them out of the area. They know his power is ultimate. When the Christ acts, the Christ acts and nothing will hold him back.
   How could those evil spirits expect Jesus to listen to their plea?
   We learn their desperate reason in Luke 8:31 And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. In truth the demons were begging Jesus not to send them into hell. They wanted to remain in the area, so they could continue to torment other people.
   In this exchange, Mark emphasizes the great chasm between God Most High and Satan. Satan’s purpose is to bind people with many devices. To overwhelm one person with 2,040 demons defines the depth of evil that rages over the earth. Everything Satan does is to bind mankind’s soul to isolate us from our Father in heaven.
   In contrast Jesus illustrates how God comes in grace, mercy and peace to deliver us from the hateful bondage.
   How about you? Do you believe that? If Christ is your Savior, he is also your King. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God. A subject of the King, you are subject to the King. Evil cannot touch you when you submit to his authority.
   Do you receive his words as the authority of your life? Do you pray for mercy in the authority of his forgiveness of your sins? Do you pray for his kingly power to heal the broken relationships, the hurts in your life?
   Pray to Jesus as the ultimate authority of your life because he is.  Stop and think about this: One day you will stand before Jesus’ authority. Will you beg for mercy or praise him for his mercy?