Scripture:
“For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion because there are many of us inside this man.”
— Mark 5:8-9 NLT
I was curious about why Jesus asked for the name of the demon within this man. It is said that in ancient cultures, knowing someone’s name meant exerting power over them. Jesus shows that He has dominion far beyond the “legion” of demons, which, from the name, means thousands of troops. Jesus’ authority and power are so mighty that even thousands of demons tremble before Him.
Jesus shows that no matter how much is going on within someone, whether it is being possessed or having thousands of failures and sins piled up, He still has overwhelming power over them to change them and restore them to the Father.
I am reminded today to trust in the power of Christ when I am dealing with only one or thousands of things, Jesus still has power over it all!
Application:
Jesus doesn’t look at us in our pitiful state with contempt or judgment, but rather with love and care for the lost person we have become. This man came before Jesus, bowed down, and surrendered. That is the very heart we need to have. I bow my heart down in surrender to Jesus today, for by myself, I have so little power over the challenges I face.
I come before Christ to ask Him to restore my identity in Him, so that my name is no longer a culmination of my past shame and failures. In Jesus, I am known and loved and have my identity. Praise God! Thank you, Jesus!
Prayer:
Dear God Almighty,
None can stand in your way! You are sovereign over all the earth, and all that is within it! Thank You for restoring our identity in You as You change us to be more like You! Thank you Jesus ,for looking upon us in love and forgiveness. Thank you for your grace that covers all of our shame and sin. Thank you for calling me by name. All praise and glory to You, Jesus! I love you and ask of this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!
