An exorcism

Jesus noticed that the crowd was closing in on them, so he gave a command to the evil spirit, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit’, he said, ‘I order you to come out of the boy and never go into him again!’

The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, ‘He is dead!’ But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.     (verses 25-27)

Read Mark 9:14-29

What an ugly scene is described in today’s reading. The presence of an evil spirit mars everything. Whatever comes from Satan destroys, makes ugly, especially human relationships.

What a change Jesus made. He commanded, and the evil spirit had to obey. The word of God is more powerful than any evil spirit from Satan.

This incident we call an exorcism. Two things are noteworthy. Jesus commands. He speaks God’s word firmly. He does not lay hands on the boy. He does not touch him until after the evil spirit has departed. Scholars point out that in none of Jesus’ exorcisms does he touch the demon-possessed. Secondly, his command directs the evil spirits where to go.

The spirit is ordered ‘to come out of the boy and never go into him again’. The direction of an evil spirit after it has come out is also important in an exorcism.

What a wonderful demonstration of the power of the word of God. We need God’s word to protect us from all evil.

God of power and might, we pray for all who are disturbed by evil and evil spirits. Make present your word of command, control and comfort. Grant your peace. Amen.

by Bob Turnbull, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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