1 Samuel 1:9-20 / Mark 1:21-28
Every person has an identity and a character.
That identity and character are expressed in what the person says and do.
For a person of authority, he exercises it for the good of others.
Whatever he says or does is an expression of that authority.
Jesus taught with authority, and His teaching made a deep impression on the people.
One sabbath, He went to the synagogue, and He exercised His authority with His teaching.
But in the synagogue just then, there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and creating a disturbance.
In a holy place of prayer, Jesus exercised His authority by casting out that evil spirit.
The authority of Jesus was not just in words but also in deeds.
But that authority was not just to cast out evil spirits.
That authority was one of compassion for a person who suffered under evil oppression.
Let us submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus with obedience.
We belong to Him and He will protect us and answer our prayer needs.