They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”
At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Mark 1: 21-28
Oh Lord, this floods my memory of a few months ago, standing in the ruins of the synagogue in Capernaum in Israel.
I felt your presence.
Knew you taught there.
Remembered how you healed.
Called you Rabbi.
I forgot you also cast out.
Lord, come now and destroy the attitudes, beliefs and sin within me that blocks me from recognizing you.
Touch my eyes so I can see your face often reflected in the face of the person right in front of me.
Open my ears to hear your voice.
Free my tongue to sing your praises.
Relax my fists to I can freely reach out to others.
Lord, remove these unclean spirits from me with your endless authority.
Heal me Lord, in your temple.
Remind me that I am your temple, your synagogue, your child.
Teach me Lord in your wisdom.
Guide me Lord in your light.
And be my Lord the rest of my life.
“Remind me that I am your temple, your synagogue, your child.”
May that never cease to amaze me! The privilege and honor and responsibility and love we carry around with us is astounding. I can only imagine how much more vivid the imagery would be after having visited Capernaum. Thanks, Jean.
I have been thinking a lot lately how we are his temple so that bubble up in my words. It is astounding! and yes these verses really did come alive to me having been there. made them special. have a great week, Lisa
Hi Jean! What a memory…to know that you were there where Jesus walked and taught. Wow!
I hope that Jesus will take out of me all that is against him too. And I also pray that we will all stand up to evil in our lives, rebuking it, knowing who our God is, and where he sends us. “If God is for us, who can be against?” No one of any importance, including evil spirits.
Blessed Super Bowl Sunday my friend!
Ceil
I think this was one of my favorite stops in Israel, probably because we hadn’t build a church on top of the site. I really did feel his presence standing there. very special. Have a wonderful week and keep healing, my friend.
Amen, Jean, what a beautiful prayer! Blessings!
Thanks Martha. The verses taking place where I stood just a few month ago sure brought back memories. have a great week!!