Faith Promise - What's Next - Day 02
Day 02 - Tuesday, November 07th
Read Luke 8:26-39
Highlight
The story of Jesus and the ‘demoniac’ is one story in a series of stories told by Luke that emphasize the power of Jesus. In succession, he wields power over nature, the spiritual realm, sickness, and even death. The power that Jesus shows over the spiritual realm in this story would have been every bit as shocking as any of the other incidents in this series. The disciples would not have been surprised that a holy man would have power over evil. Exorcisms were common occurrences in first century Israel. However, Jesus did not perform exorcisms like other holy men of the first century. He didn’t use dramatic rituals or chant special phrases or even do the most important aspect of an exorcism - invoke a higher power. Jesus’ power over evil is almost casual, as shown in this interaction with many demons. The term “Legion” is a name that references a number, specifically the thousands of soldiers in a Roman military unit by the same name. Jesus’ power didn’t just defeat a single demon, but many, and it didn’t seem to cause Jesus much difficulty in the slightest.
The man who is saved by Jesus appreciates Jesus’ power more than anyone. It’s why he immediately settles in at Jesus’ feet rather than trying to go find family or friends. It’s also why he wants to follow Jesus personally, but Jesus has different ways for different believers to serve him (see John 21:21-22 for another example). This man is commanded by Jesus to remain where he is in order to spread the good news about Jesus and his mighty power to save.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Luke 8:26-39
Highlight
The story of Jesus and the ‘demoniac’ is one story in a series of stories told by Luke that emphasize the power of Jesus. In succession, he wields power over nature, the spiritual realm, sickness, and even death. The power that Jesus shows over the spiritual realm in this story would have been every bit as shocking as any of the other incidents in this series. The disciples would not have been surprised that a holy man would have power over evil. Exorcisms were common occurrences in first century Israel. However, Jesus did not perform exorcisms like other holy men of the first century. He didn’t use dramatic rituals or chant special phrases or even do the most important aspect of an exorcism - invoke a higher power. Jesus’ power over evil is almost casual, as shown in this interaction with many demons. The term “Legion” is a name that references a number, specifically the thousands of soldiers in a Roman military unit by the same name. Jesus’ power didn’t just defeat a single demon, but many, and it didn’t seem to cause Jesus much difficulty in the slightest.
The man who is saved by Jesus appreciates Jesus’ power more than anyone. It’s why he immediately settles in at Jesus’ feet rather than trying to go find family or friends. It’s also why he wants to follow Jesus personally, but Jesus has different ways for different believers to serve him (see John 21:21-22 for another example). This man is commanded by Jesus to remain where he is in order to spread the good news about Jesus and his mighty power to save.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)