Today’s devotion is Mark 1:14-28 which covers Jesus’ preaching in Galilee. The key verse upon which we will focus is verse 18.
“18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Emphasis added.)
This Scripture speaks of Jesus’ authority. “They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22. “They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” Mark 1:27. (Emphasis added.)
And so, was the result of Jesus’ authority?
“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:18. “Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him. They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach.” Mark 1:20-21. “And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.” Mark 1:25-28. (Emphasis added.)
In a recent previous devotion, we were encouraged that this authority remains with Jesus and applies to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20. (Emphasis added.)
But, Jesus Christ’s authority can also encourage us to have faith that the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe extends to all the details of our lives. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:18-23.
Accordingly, the Heidelberg Catechism recognizes the great comfort that this authority brings to us.
“Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.”
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 