NAMES OF JESUS: PRINCE OF PEACE

 

Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

Jesus will be called the Prince of Peace – Peace in this verse is all about “Rest in mind and heart” Jews wish one another with “Shalom” and Muslims “Salem” which all means pronouncing peace upon one another. Shanthi/ Amaithi/ Samathanam are relative meanings.

 

Peace cannot be purchased with money - Millionaire struggle to get peace inspite of the accumulation of wealth. Most of them struggle with stress and sleepless nights. The peace that the Bible promises is not determined by the circumstances, but a state of mind.

A King was asking his artists to draw a perfect picture defining peace – there were many beautiful paintings and arts were brought where the king chose two pictures for the first price. One had calm, quiet waters with the background of beautiful mountains and streams. The other had similar scenery in the front but the background had storm, lightning and thunder. As the king noticed, amidst the storm he found a bird hatching her eggs peacefully. He selected the second one saying that “Peace is not determined by external factors, it is amidst struggles and difficulties living calm in the heart.”

The results of anxiety and lack of peace result in high BP, Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia. It reduces the lifespan of people. The Bible speaks of peace in the midst of struggles – which is the gift of God that not everyone enjoys. The heroes in the scripture slept peacefully when they had tonnes of worries,

 

David – while he was chased by his son Absalom said – “I will sleep in peace” (Ps 3:5/4:8)

Peter – knowing that he will be executed the next day, slept peacefully (Act 12:6)

Daniel – Slept peacefully in Lion’s den and praise the Lord (Picture of Daniel sleeping amid Lion often depicted) Dan 6:18-22. The king did not sleep throughout the night!!

 

Jesus in the New Testament named “The God of Peace” how suitable to the Old Testament prophecy that speaks about “The Prince of Peace.”

 

Phil 4:9 - The God of peace will be with you.

Col 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

2 Thes 3:16 - Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

1 Thes 5:23 - May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

 

Jesus is the prince of Peace… Because

 

1.      HIS (JESUS) BIRTH BROUGHT PEACE TO THE EARTH: (LUKE 2:8-14)

 

The angel declared ” I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (v.10) which is v.14 - “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 

At the time of Jesus’ Birth, the whole Earth was divided by various factors –God’s chosen people did not have a peaceful life in their promised (own) land – They waited for a “Messiah” who would come and deliver them from their enemies politically and spiritually. There are about 400 years (From Malachi to Matthew); there was no revelation from God to his people, no prophets, or interventions from God. This period is called the “Silent period or Dark age” in human history. People were in confusion, deep anguish, and political disorder which were to be repaired. The Jewish people were under the rule of Romans – after the captivity from Babylon (Captivity Vs Oppression). The Romans were lords over them – The soldiers were guarding the Jewish towns and oppressing people (Matt 5:41 – If someone forces you for a mile, go with them two miles).

 

As I visit Srilanka often, I saw the areas where Tamil people live were guarded by the Sinhalese police and army which is an uncomfortable life for the native Tamils. To establish political control over the Tamil people, the Sinhalese army is kept to guard that area so that people would not politically rebel against them.

 

In the midst of all the confusion and disorder – the birth of Christ brought “peace” to the earth. Jesus brought peace in the following areas,

 

a.       Internal Peace: People who lived in darkness, doubts, fear, bondage, and struggles can experience peace and light in their lives (Matt 4:16; Isaiah 9:2). Humanity was longing to have internal peace for centuries – the void in the heart can only be filled with God which brings great peace in their hearts. Luke 2:29 Simon said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss  your servant in peace.”

b.      Interpersonal Peace: Peace with one another. The birth and teachings of Christ brought peace to one another. When people follow the commands of Christ they keep away anger and bitterness and live a peaceful life. The birth of Christ offered that freely.

c.       International Peace: The solution for peace among the nations is only found in Christ (One for Israel Ministries stresses “Christ” as the solution for problems in the Middle East. It is those who accepted Christ as their savior from Jews and Arabs who live peacefully – not striving or oppressing others)

d.      Spiritual Peace: Peace with God (Romans 5:1). The broken relationship between God and humanity was perfectly repaired by Christ. Under the Old Covenant – through sacrifice and Mossiac law people could never experience God in their lives. Sin destroyed the peace that God offered, it was the birth of Christ that restored hope to reconcile with God through Christ Jesus.

 

Sometimes peace with God will bring conflict with people (Caution: Matthew 10:34-36). Jesus warned about it, you may be rejected by your family members, community, and relatives but nobody can take away the peace that Jesus offers to us. The birth of Christ brought peace to the earth since He is the prince of peace.

 

2.      HIS (JESUS) MINISTRY BROUGHT PEACE TO THE PEOPLE

 

We read about the ministry of Christ in the gospels where Jesus was preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healed/delivered people from their bondage. People who live in sickness, bondage, shortages, poverty, and sorrow cannot experience the peace of God in their lives. Jesus rectified the troubles of people and restored peace to their lives.

 

Luke 8:48 – We read about the healing of a woman who was struggling with bleeding for 12 years. Jesus offered her healing by the touch of his garments and said to her “Go with Peace – Your faith has healed you”

Mark 5:15 – A man possessed with demons (Legion) got healed and sat in his right mind.

(A believer of Pr. Abel was opposing the ministry – he gave a deadline to vacate the village. His daughter was demon-possessed, the pastor prayed and delivered her. As of now he is the elder in the church – God offered peace to him)

John 2:1-10 – Shortage/poverty brings distress in life. Jesus fulfilled the need of the hour and established peace in the wedding at Cana.

 

Even today Jesus offers peace to the people who come to Him with addiction, bondage, sickness, and shortages because He is the “Prince of Peace.”

 

3.      HIS (JESUS) WORDS BRING PEACE TO US EVEN TODAY (JOHN 14:27)

 

We have the word of God/Christ in our hands that gives peace to troubled hearts even today. Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” who speaks to us even today with His living words. It comforts people and gives peace to their troubled hearts.

 

The joy/happiness/peace on this earth is temporary. It happens through outer circumstances which can never be the solution for inner peace. Things that you buy will give you happiness for a short period, it creates anticipation, but once you get it everything goes normal. The peace of God that Jesus offers stays still even you go through hard circumstances. His words comfort and console us in many different ways. Through reading, hearing, life experiences, and events, God speaks into our hearts to remove fear. The peace of God enables us to face death without fear.

 

Phil 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

The peace of God makes us live in content in every situation: Phil 4:11-13: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

Col 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

 

Psalm 119:165 - Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

 

Let the Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ fill your hearts and minds. Do you have fear, anxiety, and stress come to Him with your burdens, he will give you peace and remove the heavy laden that you are carrying (Matthew 11:28). Read and meditate on His words which will give you eternal peace because “HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.”

 

May God bless you.

 

Have a blessed Christmas!

Making impact through our responsibilities in life - Luke 10:25-37 – The parable of the Good Samaritan

God’s people need to make impact in anywhere they are placed –They need to fulfill their responsibilities with awareness of God and with full diligence. It is not always about the influential persons who make impact but diligence in any responsibilities makes impact – Fish Cutting Selvam (Kasimedu)

We got the responsibility to do what Jesus commanded to make impact in individuals, community or nation. Often Christians well versed in reading and memorizing the Bible but not doing what Jesus commanded us to do. 

(Insurance company owner – took a pause for travel – gave manual to the manager – the manager read it but never implemented – no further growth in the business. Christians many times memorize the Bible but fail to practice and activate it in their lives which is the responsibility of every believer)

Jesus gave a parable how a common person can make impact in the life of others and in their societies. Luke 10:25 - On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Other wards what must I do to go to heaven? (Sunday School teacher asked the same question after the strong teaching from the Bible and asks the children – what must I do to go to heaven? The student said you must die to go to heaven – she never expected that answer)

Expert in Law: There are 613 commandments extracted from the Old Testament (Called Mitzvot), one must know them all to become “Expert in Law.” His intention was to Test Jesus (v.25) and Justify himself (v.29).

The question: Who is my neighbor? In other words what is my responsibility in my community?

The parable of the Good Samaritan: Traveler from Jericho (252m BSL) to Jerusalem (754m ASL) – 18 miles upward path (1006 m), no proper road, filled with bushes which protect the robbers, no safe road for the strangers. A Jew was attacked by the robbers who took all his belongings and attacked him brutally. He needs help to live and in life-threatening situation. Three characters pass-by as this man was attacked.

A Priest: (v.31) Rules for priests not to defile themselves by dead or wounded people – he is allowed to touch them only if they are of his close relatives (Lev 21:1ff). He is responsible to God in performing sacrifices and represents people in front of God, he has no time attending this wounded man – he doesn’t want to take the risk of caring him and potentially attacked by the robbers/bandits again.

He stands for God so why to worry about the wounded man? Sometimes we say to the people who ask for financial help – I will pray for you, and then leave the person alone. The priest passed the other side looking at the man in need.

A Levite: (v.32) By position he is lower than the priest but has the opportunity to serve the Lord in the temple court, he has the same regulation concerning the touching of dead and wounded person. He probably thought I have lot of works to do for the Lord.

Work for the Lord – Performing rituals, praying… etc.

Work from the Lord – Caring the poor, (Abraham, Jonah) it is harder than the first one.

He also went the other side leaving the person in need – probably he might have thought “I have lot of works to do for the Lord.” Matthew 25:40 – Whatever you did to the least of these you have done it to me! – He left the least and needy person.

A Samaritan: (v.33) – Someone from the geographical location of the northern Kingdom Israel. The kingdom was captured on 722 BC by the Assyrians, they invaded, installed the pagan gods, inter marriages with Israel and inhabited the Land – They became part of the Gentiles group.

Wounded Jew is a neighbor to a Samaritan – Neighbor is anyone who is in need of your help, not exactly from your tribe, caste or relative. The Samaritan impacted this story by fulfilling the responsibilities given by God. He went towards him (got close to him) while the others went away from him. Love and compassion make people draw towards the needy, doesn't go away from the needy persons. The key thing that motivated him to do this act of kindness is “Mercy/Pity” it is because of the Mercy (v.33 – Looking through God’s eyes), he acted swiftly (v.34) and attended the emergency of the wounded man (v.35)

Things we must activate to make impact through our responsibilities

1.  Don’t count the Reward: he did not expect what he will get in terms of helping this person who is in need. What will I gain is a consumer mentality – What can I do for someone is the contributing mentality. There is a future reward for all your good deeds.

2. Don’t count the Risk: The priest and Levite count the risk if they help the wounded man at his prime time of need. Making impact risks our lives, the Samaritan would have delayed of his works and potentially be attacked by the robbers. He did not count the risk in making impact on someone’s life.

3. Don’t count the Sacrifice: To attend the wounded man he must set aside his priorities. Mercy calls for sacrifice; there is no sacrifice without Mercy. The Lord who sees in secret will reward you publically (Matt 6:4,6) the sacrifice doesn’t need the advertisement.

4. Don’t count the Cost: Mercy is costly, everything we see in the world come with the price tag. The Samaritan bore the financial cost of the wounded man. He is not sure of getting the money back but to make impact through his life he did not count the finance he spent at him.

The interesting factor is we call this parable as “Good Samaritan” where as Jesus called him as a Samaritan. The good was added to him for centuries it is because of the impact he made in someone’s life. We must make impact in someone’s life through our God given responsibilities. We need to care for the universe at the same time we need to love the neighbors (who is in need of help)

 

WHAT IS TRUE FASTING

Matthew 6:16-18

 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

· Mathew 6:1-18 Three commonly abused religious practices – By any religious people. Giving (Our duty towards others) – Prayer – Fasting (Our duty towards God)

· Religious leaders such as teachers of the Law, Pharisees and Sadducees were condemned by Jesus for leading people to self worship instead of honouring God

Mat 23:13-33 a huge list of curses (Woe) upon the religious leaders for misleading people for their own benefit and financial gain.

James 3:1 James warns the church leaders “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

Being a leader or teacher is a proud feeling in leading others but at the same time it has danger, if one seeks self honor and gain.

The passage follows after the guidance on Prayer. The order Jesus meant is that “You can pray without fasting but can never fast without prayer” that’s the Biblical understanding about fasting.

Fasting – Commonly skipping the meal/s to concentrate on God. We try to say to God, “Lord I value you more than my food – I depend on you more than my essential survival element.”

Food is the key thing for human survival –Why do you study? – For good work / Success – Why is the good work? – To earn money – Why to earn money? – To eat food. The final step of all our endeavours ends in food and easy living. Paul says in 2 Thess. 2:10 – ““If anyone will not work, he will not eat.”

Matthew 6:16 – “When you fast” He did not say “If you fast” (Which would be an option). We understand that fasting is the duty of every Christian to concentrate on God and spiritual growth.

Pharisees fasted Monday & Thursdays (Market gathering days in ancient Israel) – It is due to the belief of Moses ascended and descended with the Ten Commandments. They counted those days more sacred than other days. At the same time those days attracted big audiences and cities crowded with people to buy and sell stuff.

Jesus while speaking about these three essential practices he meant to convey one message – Dont try to seek own glory and appreciation but to please God who rewards people in public while watching the good deeds in secret. What was the mindset of religious leaders in Fasting, Giving and Prayer?

WHAT ARE THE THINGS CONDEMNED BY JESUS IN FASTING

1.    They wanted to POSE themselves before others: (v. 16)

Posing means acting (look gloomy) – often used in photography. No genuine interest but for the sake of something or to impress somebody.

Show off – Some people act before their bosses as hard workers. Jesus calls them as “Hypocrites” who act to impress others while forgetting God sees everything plain and naked. The verse continues “disfigure their faces” we heard about “Configure” something to its best stage.

Do people need to see my devotion to God? Absolutely NO

2.    They wanted to POST themselves before others (v.16)

v. 16 continues “that their fasting may be seen by others”

Post or advertise it before others – I don’t condemn someone advertising a corporate fasting invitation for specific reasons. Individual fasting do not need to be advertised to others so that someone may inspire or appreciate their efforts.

6:2 – About giving Jesus used the same words “when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you.”

6:5 - About prayer Jesus used the words, “For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.”

Do people need to appreciate or get impressed of my fasting / Giving/ Prayer? Absolutely NO

3.    They wanted to be PRAISED by others (6:2)

Mat 6:2 the intention of those hypocrites is to be praised by others, “that they may be praised by others”

Other two acts such as prayer and fasting people need to see and praise them of their devotion or generosity. The complete aim is of self glory and praise from others.

Huge offering? long and fancy prayer? Long and strict fasting? People will praise those endeavors. It should not be the intention of a believer.

Do my giving / Prayer / Fasting be praised by others? Absolutely NO

WHAT SHOULD BE MY ATTITUDE IN FASTING?

SECRECY – Opposite to posting or advertising my duty towards god.

·  v.4 - “Your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

·  v.6 - “Pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you”

·  v. 18 - Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you

God sees us in our secret places – Nothing needs to be advertised if it is true and devoted.

SANCTITY – Opposite to seeking self glory and promotion (Fasting without righteousness condemned in Zech 7:4-5 & 8-10) - “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

SINCERITY – Opposite to acting something as if nothing comes sincerely

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REASONS FOR WHICH I CAN FAST AND PRAY?

1.    Fasting is appropriate for mourning over some great pain or loss. (Matt 9:15; 2 Sam 12:16-24)

2.    Fasting is appropriate for mourning over sin. (Ezra 10:6; Neh. 9:1-3; Jonah 3:7-9)

3.    Fasting is appropriate for seeking God’s favor in a desperate situation (2 Sam 12:16; Esther 4:15-16; Nehemiah 1)

4.    Fasting is appropriate for seeking wisdom and revelation from God. (Daniel 9 &10; Act 13:1-3)

5.    Fasting is appropriate for preparing some great ministry or task (Lk 4:14; Acts 14:23)

6.    Fasting is appropriate for developing self-control. (1 Cor 9:27)

SCRIPTURE PORTION: Mark 5:1-20

INTRODUCTION

I pet 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Everyone who is “Called into the Kingdom of God” are brought out of “Darkness to wonderful light” (1 Pet 2:9) i.e, the Demonic Kingdom to the Kingdom of God. The shift in the kingdom does not naturally happen, it requires lot of spiritual energy – Unless God works in that process, it cannot happen automatically. Jesus said in John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”

Escape Velocity: Energy or speed required to go out of one atmosphere to another. It is very high in terms of human understanding. Escape Velocity for earth is 11.2 Kms/Sec, the Escape velocity for Jupiter is 28.3 Kms/Sec. If you want to go out of earth’s atmosphere and go to the space such great amount of energy is required. Moving from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God require supernatural intervention which must be initiated by God. That’s why we call Salvation does not happen through human desire but along with the divine predestination of God.

Children ministry is a key factor where we can spend less time and energy to bring them into the Kingdom of God. Many testimonies we hear how people gave their hearts to Jesus when they were young and children ministry initiatives.

Transformation or Renewal is a beautiful thing but cannot happen automatically or naturally (Reformation of church in 1517 under Martin Luther required lot of opposition from various levels – but once happen it stays forever – it cannot go back to the old stage: Bulb factory visit in Pallavaram – It goes through very high temperature and once air blows the shape remains the same forever and never goes back to the old stage)

Kingdom effects are not alteration of the earthly characteristics.Kingdom effects are just opposite to the demonic kingdom or strongholds.

SHORT STORY OF THE EVENT EXPLAINED IN MARK 5: 1-20

The region of Gerasenes or Gadarenes (Right side of the sea of Galilee – Jesus ministry often we see in the left side of the sea of Galilee – Capernaum, Nazareth...etc towns we hardly see Jesus moving the other side of the sea for ministry. This is one of the unusual occasions recorded in the scriptures)

Vv 2-5: The descriptions about the demon possessed man

Vv 6-13: Jesus delivered the demon possessed man and its process

Vv 14-20: The response of the people after the man was delivered

We could easily spot out the three Kingdom effects in him which was just opposite to the demonic strongholds he was experiencing, they were just ruining his life and he was in absolute darkness.

1.    KINGDOM EFFECTS CHANGED HIS IDENTITY

Identity defines who we are – it may represent the name or character of a person. Sometimes people are referred with nick names which reflect their character and the person who they are. Facial detection – Artificial intelligence accurately spots out who we are. Facebook identifies 3 Billion of the users using the facial identity.

Probably this man was identified as a Legion, Demon possessed, Mad, Devilish, Harsh or Wild by his behaviour but it was the demons/darkness in him that made him to be in that way. God created man in His image and likeness (Gen 1:27) but when sin entered in humanity, it marred / corrupted the image of God. The kingdom effects restore the image of God when they are saved. 2 Cor 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Eph 4: 22-24 – Put on the new man and put off the old man

Was this man demon possessed since his birth? NO

St. Augustine was a gangster and involved in criminal activities – after his salvation he said, “The Augustine you saw yesterday died and here a new Augustine in Christ” Baptism therefore symbolizes the death to old self and resurrection to Christ. It is therefore their names (identity) often changed.

2.    KINGDOM EFFECTS CHANGED HIS PLACE

A kingdom person cannot live alongside darkness – there must be a change in his place or residence. Darkness and light cannot coexist.

Vv 2-5 we read he lived in tombs for three times. We see a living man among the dead? Was he born amidst the tombs? No. the darkness in him brought where he didn’t belong to.

John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Eternal life.”   2 Cor 6:14 – “What fellowship has light with darkness?”

John 9 we see a miracle of how Jesus opened the eye of a blind man who was sitting and begging in the roadside. As Jesus brought him into the Kingdom with a healing, we see him with Jesus at the end of the chapter praising God for the transformation happened to him (John 9:35)

3.    KINGDOM EFFECTS CHANGED HIS MINDSET

Every unbeliever’s mind is captivated or blinded by Satan (2 Cor. 4:4 - The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ) They would physically see but mind is blinded to see God as their savior. The gospel is veiled to the unbelievers (v.3)

v.15 – The demon possessed man was in his RIGHT MIND sitting besides Jesus after the deliverance. It is the mind field where either God or Satan takes control of a person. It is therefore the proverbs said – “Idol mind is the workshop of Devil”

The mind of this demon possessed man was captivated by Satan but as Jesus brought him into His Kingdom, he was in clear and right mindset – He was naked previously but now wearing cloths. Kingdom effects bring transformation in Mind (what an amazing change?) which obviously leads to the holistic transformation of Body, Soul and Spirit.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Today many children and adult are mentally captured to different things through which Satan ruin the life of the future generations. Children are addicted to PUBG games, Pornography, evil behaviours – the only way to bring them out of the mental addiction is through Gospel and Kingdom effects NOT counselling or teaching good manners.

THE COST OF THIS TRANSFORMATION

a. Spiritual Opposition: The demon possessed man said to Jesus (v.7) Don’t trouble me Jesus! – in fact he was in troubles but the spiritual forces in him restricted to get into the Kingdom of God – You also may face as you do the children ministry. Satan knows that if the children get to know Jesus, he will lose them – He will try all measures to stop your ministries – But ultimate victory belongs to Jesus and His Kingdom.

b. Social Opposition: People were afraid of the delivered man (v.15) – It is irony that he was troubling people earlier but people felt it is ok (They should have been afraid of him when he was in the tomb). The aftermath of the deliverance, people of that area urged Jesus to leave the place (v.17) – Many more miracles or deliverance to that village was stopped due to their opposition. You may also be asked by people to stop the children ministry or clubs – But ultimate victory belongs to Jesus and His Kingdom.

c. Financial Loss: About 2000 pigs ran from the mountain areas and drowned into the sea (v.13). This might be a great financial loss for the owners and those who tend them.

CONCLUSION:

We are in the place of Christ in advancing the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom effects bring change in identity, place and mindset of the individuals who are called into it. We are called into the Kingdom to bring others into the Kingdom. We do not get all we wish for (Jesus did not grant the wish of the delivered man v.19 – however I wonder Jesus grant the wish of the demons v.13), but we are given what we need for.

The passage ends with a very positive note – the delivered man proclaimed gospel in all ten towns of that area and people were amazed of his testimony. (v. 20 - So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed). The purpose that you are in the ministry/Kingdom is to declare the praises of Him who brought you out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Pet 2:9).

May God help us to do it – “Let His Kingdom come and His will be done.” Amen