“For he [Jesus] said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. 9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.” (Mark 5:8-9)
Continuing on with the thought from yesterday, we see this demon-possessed man whom Jesus encounters. This man was living among the tombs while crying and cutting himself. It is a stark reminder of the comparison of a person who is filled with the Spirit versus one who is filled by Satan. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace, while the fruit of Satan is crying, cutting, and misery!
But notice something unusual about the interaction between this man and Jesus. As Jesus talks to this man, He asks him his name. The demon answers and says, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” What a strange way to identify yourself. “MY [singular] name is Legion: for WE [plural] are many.”
Some commentators say that a legion could represent several thousands of demons…and they were ALL in this one man! So, evidently the demon which spoke to Jesus was the spokesman for them all.
But what I love about this story is that even though Jesus was OUTNUMBERED, He was never OVERPOWERED! Jesus had authority and power over every single one of those thousands of demons. And when He commanded them to leave that man’s body they had to obey!
Oh, what a reason to praise Him, this morning! Listen, friend…if Jesus is powerful enough to reroute a legion of demons, He can certainly reroute your legion of temptations and subdue your flesh if you will let Him! We have the most powerful resource in all the world living in us…THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Give the Lord praise and glory this morning that He is more powerful than anything Satan can throw your way, today!