He Was Amazed at Their Lack of Faith (Mark 6:1-6)

 

He Was Amazed at Their Lack of Faith (Mark 6:1-6)

Everyone loves receiving a gift. However, the reaction can vary depending on what the gift is. If someone offered a massive sum of money—millions of dollars—you might hesitate. But what if that gift was something so valuable it couldn't even be calculated in numbers?

In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returned to his hometown and began to teach. But instead of welcoming him, the hometown people rejected and opposed him. They refused to receive the Messiah, the Son of God, whom the Father had sent.

Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue on the Sabbath

1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?" (Mark 6:1-2).

Jesus went to his hometown, Nazareth, accompanied by his disciples. Since rumors of the signs and wonders he performed had already spread across the country, we could call this a "triumphant return." On the contrary, however, Jesus was met with resentment and hostility instead of a welcome.

When the Sabbath came, Jesus taught in the synagogue. The teachings of Jesus Christ—who created the heavens and the earth with his word—touched people's hearts and reached their very depths. This is because his words are truth; they are holy and whole, revealing the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. The word of God opens the gates of heaven and allows us to obtain the treasures within.

Many were amazed at the Lord's teaching. They wondered how such words of wisdom and such power to perform signs and miracles could come from him. Since they had known Jesus of Nazareth for a long time, they were astonished by the words coming out of his mouth and the power he displayed. However, they did not have a complete knowledge of who Jesus truly was.

They Waited for an Earthly Messianic Kingdom

All Jews had waited for the Messiah for a long time. After Jerusalem fell at the end of the 6th century BC, they were exiled to Babylon for seventy years. From that point on, Israel never had a king again. Because of this, they longed even more for a Messiah with mighty power, like King David, to come.

Thus, their knowledge of the Messiah was limited to an earthly one. They lacked an understanding of the suffering Christ, who would be killed to save this world. Finally, when God's time came and the Christ—prophesied by the Law and the Prophets—stood right before their eyes, they failed to recognize him.

So, Jesus taught the Word of God to his people. This was to open the eyes of their darkened hearts so they would believe in and receive Jesus Christ, who came as the Son of Man sent by God, and thereby come into the light.

The words of Jesus are a lamp capable of searching and revealing even the deepest parts of a person. Jesus knows everyone (John 2:24-25). He knows what we think, what we want, and what we hope for. He also knows what our needs are and how we can reach salvation.

God wants to teach the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to everyone so they may understand and inherit that legacy. To this end, God gave us his Word: the Old Testament given through the Law and the Prophets, and the New Testament given through the Apostles. The Word of God is true food and drink that satisfies human thirst and hunger (John 6:55).

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Therefore, for a person to truly know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, the word of God is indispensable. Even if we added up all the knowledge in this world, we could not fathom God's truth. To know where a person comes from, where they are going, why they live, how they should live, and why there is always pain and suffering, the lamp of God's word must shine upon us.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

The People of His Hometown Reject Jesus

"Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. (Mark 6:3).

Jesus' father, Joseph, was a carpenter and is known to have died early. Jesus followed in his father's footsteps and worked as a carpenter until he began his public ministry at the age of thirty. Furthermore, Jesus had brothers, including James, and sisters.

The townspeople received news that Jesus—who was one of their neighbors, the son of Mary, and a carpenter—was suddenly doing things that surprised the whole country. They also saw and heard for themselves Jesus teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath.

However, they did not accurately know who Jesus was; they judged him based on their old knowledge of him. That is why they were amazed at his words and power but remained suspicious. At that point, they could have easily asked Jesus about the situation and found the answer.

Instead, they hastily reached a very wrong judgment. By relying on their limited knowledge, they stumbled badly. They refused to accept the new knowledge regarding the good works Jesus performed and the words they heard him speak.

They hit the limit of their own preconceptions and prejudices about Jesus. As a result, they ended up stumbling because of Jesus Christ, who came as the Son of God. However, God reveals himself to anyone who seeks the Lord (Matthew 7:7-8). God delights in making the secrets of his kingdom known to those who believe.

“He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them’” (Matthew 13:11-12).

He Could Not Do Any Miracles There

“Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around from village to village, teaching” (Mark 6:4-6).

Jesus said that no prophet is honored in his own hometown, among his relatives, or in his own house. Throughout history, prophets—including Moses and Elijah—faced labels, accusations, persecution, and even death (Hebrews 11:36-38). Kings and religious leaders hated and refused to listen to the word of God spoken through them because they loved this world more than God.

As a result, Jesus "could not do any miracles there." This doesn't mean Jesus ran out of power. Rather, God reveals His power, authority, and glory only to those who believe. Conversely, those without faith cannot see God’s power or glory.

Faith vs. Unbelief: Historical Examples

The Widow of Zarephath: During the time of the prophet Elijah, a severe famine struck Northern Israel. King Ahab and the people suffered, but the widow of Zarephath experienced the glory and power of God; her jar of flour and jug of oil did not run out throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:8-24).

Noah: Because Noah believed God, he built an ark for 120 years. Consequently, he was kept safe by God’s power during the forty days and nights of the Great Flood. While every living thing that breathed through its nostrils perished, Noah, his family, and the animals inside the ark were unharmed. The faithless world was destroyed.

Jairus and the Suffering Woman: Jesus raised the dead daughter of Jairus, who had come and knelt before Him in faith. He also blessed the woman who had suffered for twelve years with a hemorrhage. Because of her faith, He dried up the source of her bleeding, told her that her faith had healed her, and welcomed her as a daughter of God.

The Disciples vs. Judas: Jesus calmed the wind and waves for His disciples in the middle of a storm, revealing Himself as the Creator God. Seeing His power and glory, the disciples' faith grew. However, Judas Iscariot became a "child of destruction" because he did not believe in Jesus.

Abraham vs. Lot: Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding God's promise; he became the father of all who believe. His nephew Lot, however, did not live by faith but followed worldly possessions to Sodom. Even when destruction was imminent, Lot hesitated to leave until angels practically forced his family out (Genesis 19:16).

Amazed at Their Lack of Faith

Jesus was "amazed" at their lack of faith. The Greek word used here is θαυμάζω (thaumázō), the same word used to describe Jesus being "amazed" at the centurion's great faith (Matthew 8:10).

These people had the adoption to sonship, the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship, and the patriarchs (Romans 9:4-5). They were chosen from among many peoples to receive the inheritance of the glory of His kingdom as God's adopted children.

Among all people and all nations, they became the covenant people who received the law of God (Exodus 19:5-6). Through the law and temple sacrifices, they could have drawn near to the Lord God of Hosts for a fellowship of love, joy, and peace. Through the spiritual legacy of their ancestors, they could have followed the path to righteousness by faith.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ came to them through the body of Mary in the town of Nazareth. He taught the Gospel of the Kingdom, healed the sick, drove out demons, and provided evidence that He is the Son of God.

The Proclamation in the Synagogue

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus stood in the Nazareth synagogue on the Sabbath and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2a).

Jesus stopped there and closed the scroll, intentionally leaving out the latter part of the verse: "and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn" (Isaiah 61:2b), which refers to God's judgment. He then declared, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21).

Despite all these inheritances, evidences, prophecies, and—above all—the words coming directly from the mouth of the Son of God, they still did not believe. This is why Jesus was amazed. They rejected the immeasurable, spiritual blessings of heaven offered freely through faith.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Amen!

February 22, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Talitha Koum, Little Girl Get Up (Mark 5:21-43)

 

Talitha Koum, Little Girl Get Up (Mark 5:21-43)

What is the most painful thing for parents? It is when their child is sick or something is wrong with their well-being. Conversely, seeing a child grow up healthy is nothing but a joy.

In Mark 5:21-43, Jesus blessed the faith of Jairus, a synagogue leader, and a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. No matter the situation, if we come before the Lord with faith, He does not turn us away but pours out boundless blessings from heaven.

My Little Daughter Is Dying

21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. (Mark 5:21-24)

In the midst of the large crowd, a synagogue leader named Jairus came before Jesus and fell at His feet. Clearly, he came with a story. Since synagogue leaders belonged to the group of religious leaders, it might seem expected for him to oppose Jesus. However, not everyone opposed Him. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, yet he was one of the hidden disciples who followed Jesus (John 7:50-51).

Jairus came and knelt before Jesus because his young daughter was sick and dying. As a father, when his young daughter fell gravely ill, he did everything he could, just as any father would. However, nothing was effective. Meanwhile, the daughter's condition worsened to the point of death.

Ultimately, he came before Jesus and knelt at His feet to plead. Neither doctors nor medicine could heal his daughter, but he believed Jesus could. How did he believe Jesus could heal what even doctors could not?

Of course, he would have heard the rumors that Jesus healed every kind of sickness. However, hearing does not mean everyone believes. The Pharisees and teachers of the law heard Jesus’ words and saw the signs and wonders He performed with their own eyes, yet they did not believe. Rather, they considered Jesus a lawbreaker who violated the Law of Moses and opposed Him. Jesus saw Jairus's faith and headed toward his house.

Faith is a gift from God given from heaven. People who acted by faith did not doubt the God of promise in the face of impossible situations but believed and acted according to that faith. The promise given to Abraham seemed impossible to fulfill for a man without a single son (Genesis 12:2-3).

However, although Abraham and Sarah could not see God in heaven and did not receive the promise during their lifetime, they kept their faith until the end (Romans 4:18-22; Hebrews 11:39). This is entirely by God's grace.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

The Woman Who Had Suffered from Bleeding for Twelve Years

25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. (Mark 5:25-29)

While Jesus was on His way to Jairus's house, a woman came behind Him, touched His clothes, and her sickness was healed. This woman had suffered from bleeding for 12 years. Her property, body, and mind were damaged and exhausted. Of course, because she had an "unclean" disease, she could not even go to the temple. While hospital bills increased day by day, there was no improvement; rather, it grew worse.

However, a gift of faith from heaven was given to that woman. She had begun to be ill long before Jesus started His public ministry. Upon hearing the rumors of Jesus' compassion, mercy, and kindness, faith grew in her heart. If an unclean person touches another person, that person becomes unclean (Numbers 19:22).

Therefore, the woman could not come forward to the front of Jesus like Jairus but came from behind. She believed that even touching the hem of Jesus’ garment would heal her long-standing illness. According to her faith, the source of her bleeding dried up, and she realized she was healed. Jesus said that even with faith as small as a mustard seed, one could pick up a mountain and throw it into the sea.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Daughter, Your Faith Has Healed You

30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:30-34)

Now that the woman was healed, she wanted to hurry home without anyone knowing. However, because Jesus was looking for who had touched his clothes, she had no choice but to come forward and confess. The disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. But Jesus, knowing that power had gone out from him, kept looking for her.

The woman came before Jesus, trembling with fear as she confessed. She was afraid she might be rebuked for secretly touching his clothes. But Jesus told her not to be afraid and blessed her:

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Jesus didn't look for her because he didn't know who she was; he did it for her sake. He called this woman—who had been banned from entering the temple—"Daughter," acknowledging her as a daughter of God. He confirmed that it was the faith given from above that had made her well.

When Jesus was told that his family had arrived because of rumors that he was out of his mind, he spoke about who his true mother, brothers, and sisters are. He said they are whoever does God’s will—those who act by faith (Mark 3:35).

In truth, it wasn't just touching Jesus' clothes that healed her; it was her faith. God does not look at outward appearances. He doesn't look at metrics like Sunday service attendance, Bible study, offerings, or evangelism numbers. He looks only at faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Don’t Be Afraid; Just Believe

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36)

While they were delayed by this incident, urgent news came from Jairus' house. His daughter was dead, so there was no point in Jesus coming anymore. At this, Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, but just to believe.

Humanity lies under the power of death. In fact, death swallows everything. That is why people are terrified and afraid of it. But in Jesus, there is no death. In God, humans are eternal beings (1 Timothy 6:16).

Jesus told Jairus to keep the faith he first had, even though he heard the news that his daughter had died. It was hard for Jairus even to accept Jesus' words. Instead, dark shadows of despair and frustration tried to fill his heart and thoughts, but he held onto the thread of Jesus' words.

Jesus is the life and the resurrection (John 11:25-26). Jesus reveals his power to those who believe. Anyone who is in Christ does not face death (Romans 6:8-11). Jesus was glad to be delayed by the woman with the bleeding condition so that he could teach the truth of the resurrection.

The Child Is Not Dead But Asleep

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. (Mark 5:37-43)

Jesus allowed only three disciples to follow and felt sorrow over the people's loud wailing and commotion. He had compassion for lives suffering under the power of death. Jesus rebuked those who were wailing and said the child was not dead but asleep, but the people laughed at him. They put their own experience ahead of the words of the Creator God. This is what a world without faith looks like.

Jesus sent out all the people who lacked faith. He entered the room where the child was with her parents and the disciples. Jesus took the child’s hand and said, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" and the child stood up and walked.

The people were completely astonished. However, Jesus gave strict orders not to let anyone know. Jesus becomes the power of resurrection to those who believe. Without faith, one cannot know the power of the resurrection. Jesus revealed this power to the disciples and the parents and told them to keep it as internal evidence within them.

Faith is a gift from God sent down from heaven. Through this faith, we realize the secrets of the kingdom of heaven and obey. God adds faith to those who are obedient. Abraham was tested in his faith and obeyed God's word by offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Through faith, he realized that God is the power and glory of resurrection and obeyed.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. (Hebrews 11:19)

Amen!

February 15, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Come Out of This Man, You Impure Spirit! (Mark 5:1-20)

 

Come Out of This Man, You Impure Spirit! (Mark 5:1-20)

No one wants to live among the tombs. Yet, there are people in this world who do. Of course, this doesn't just mean physically living in a graveyard; it refers to being trapped under the bondage and dominion of demons.

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus went to the region of the Gerasenes and met a man possessed by demons. Jesus commanded the demon to come out, saving the man. He then instructed him to go to his family and testify to the great mercy and grace God had shown him.

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man (Mt 8:28-34; Lk 8:26-39)

1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. (Mark 5:1-5)

After the storm was calmed, the boat reached the region of the Gerasenes. This area was part of the Decapolis (the Ten Cities), where Roman legions were stationed. The pig farms in this region were a major business, supplying the Roman military.

The disciples had just been terrified of dying in the great storm. But as soon as the boat touched land, they were met by a man with an impure spirit coming out from the tombs. Even when bound with chains, he snapped them; he broke the irons on his feet, and no one could control him. He lived among the dead in the tombs, crying out night and day and cutting himself with stones.

It is a scene almost too tragic and horrific to witness. This man was possessed by demons. A demon had entered him, taking his soul captive, driving him to extremes, and tormenting him. Though demons are invisible, they are real.

An evil spirit, also known as Satan, appeared to the woman in the Garden of Eden to tempt her (Gen 3:1). In the story of Job, Satan incited God to strike Job’s children, his wealth, and eventually his body, plunging him into a horrific state (Job 1:9-12, 2:4-6). Satan even tempted the Lord Jesus Christ three times and mocked Him to "come down" while He suffered on the cross (Mt 4:1-11, 27:42).

The devil inflicts atrocious harm on people and feels no pity. Instead, he seeks to kill in the most vicious, cruel, and miserable way possible. He doesn't even blink an eye. There is no truth or goodness in him—only lies and murder (Jn 8:44). Because there is no goodness or truth in him, he is "impure."

While Satan attacked the woman and Job from the outside, the demon-possessed man of the Gerasenes was controlled from the inside. The demon lived within him, keeping him in bondage. This shows how violent, cruel, and mercilessly destructive the devil intends to be.

However, the devil is merely one of God's creatures. He has no choice but to submit to the authority and power of the Lord. Although Satan accused Job without cause to bring him down, the reality is that he couldn't touch a single hair on Job's head without permission. He operates only within the boundaries allowed by God. Yet, the moment God permits it, Satan strikes as ruthlessly as he did with Job.

God, who is love and grace, is not unaware of this. In fact, God was the one who first mentioned Job's faith and faithfulness to Satan. God already knew Satan was watching Job, waiting for an opportunity. God's permission to Satan was not for Satan's benefit, but for Job's refinement (Job 40:3-5).

Don't Torture Me!

6 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? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had been saying to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” (Mark 5:6-8)

The possessed man displays a very conflicted attitude. On one hand, he falls on his knees before the Creator and calls Him "Jesus, Son of the Most High God." Yet, at the same time, he begs Jesus to leave him alone and not torture him. He said this because Jesus had already commanded the impure spirit to come out of him.

This is exactly why Jesus came to this earth: to rescue those groaning and suffering under the bondage of demons.

Jesus was so busy doing good that he didn't even have time to eat, leading to rumors that he was "out of his mind" (Mark 3:21). Furthermore, when He drove out demons, the teachers of the law accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul—the prince of demons—claiming He used that power to drive out spirits (Mark 3:22).

To this, Jesus responded that no one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man (Mark 3:27). In this parable, the "strong man" refers to the demon. The demon uses its strength to enslave, torment, and ruin people. But Jesus, through the power of His blood, binds Satan and rescues people from his grasp.

What is Your Name?

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. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. (Mark 5:9-13)

The man’s name was "Legion" because he was possessed by a vast number of demons. Of course, this wasn't his real name. Because the demons controlled him, he lost the name his parents gave him and his identity as a member of a family and society. He fell into extreme loneliness and pain among the tombs.

No one welcomed him or visited him. Instead, people avoided him out of fear. When people did approach him, it was only to chain him up. He was utterly ignored and abandoned by everyone.

Who would want to live in a dark, silent graveyard? The devil ruthlessly drove this man into a miserable state, crushing a human being made in the image of God. This is the reality for those caught in the deception of the enemy—the ruler of the kingdom of the air. It manifests as strife, fraud, violence, natural disasters, and global conflicts that create countless refugees.

The demons begged Jesus not to send them away. Even they must bow to the command of Jesus Christ, the Creator. They trembled in His presence. When Jesus permitted them to enter the pigs, the entire herd of two thousand drowned. Satan's ultimate target is humanity, but he is merciless toward anything—animals or property—to cause destruction (Job 1-2).

A Life More Valuable Than the World

The demons caused massive financial loss to the local pig industry. Yet, Jesus allowed this because nothing is more urgent than saving a person from the grip of the enemy. Jesus taught that a human life is worth more than the whole world (Matthew 16:26; Luke 9:25).

We aren't here by accident. God created us to rule over creation (Genesis 1:28; Ephesians 2:6). Though we are currently "lower than the angels" on this earth, we are crowned with glory and honor, with all things placed under our feet (Hebrews 2:7-9). Our time on earth is a "school time"—a pilgrim’s journey to heaven. Though temptations and pains persist, Jesus Christ binds the enemy through His blood and saves us.

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

The People Pleaded with Jesus to Leave their Region

14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 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. (Mark 5:14-20)

When the townspeople saw the man healed, they were afraid. Because of their financial loss, they asked Jesus to leave. To them, their economic gain was more important than a soul being freed from the devil's chains. Their eyes were blinded to the value of life; they only sought immediate profit.

However, the man who was healed wanted to follow Jesus. Jesus instead told him to go home and testify about the mercy he had received. To keep the grace we've been given is to witness to it. To stay in that grace is to obey His word and follow the way of the cross.

Jesus endured the shame and pain of the cross to save this world from Satan's bonds. He saw our freedom as His joy (Hebrews 12:2). Proving God's mercy isn't just about words; it’s about how we live—following the Truth and rejecting the lies of the enemy.

We face many hardships, and the devil tries to plant a sense of loss or deception in us. But through the blood of Christ, we are already free! He may try to swallow us, but he cannot harm us. Amen!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Amen!

February 8, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.