Mark 1:21-28

Mark 1:21-28 caught my attention. A man in a synagogue, demon-possessed. Jesus drew me into his story. 

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. Mark 1:21-28, NIV

Mark 1:21-28

To see the Nazarene I go: 

The push and pull, now drawn, yet fear.

The darkness welling, torn and taut,

Intrigued and must, compelled and caught.

He speaks with power, words from high;

I see the light from teaching true. [him so true]

His words in raying form take shape

And stream and flow around my soul

And heart in warming light, O light! 

I see his eyes, more burning yet

A window deep to more and more--

O cry! To reach, receive . . . . 

And yet my terror frightful screams,

“The Holy One of God you are!” 

And dark the thrash! And dark the flail! 

A word of his and peace, O peace.

He kneels and lifts me to my feet, 

I stand before the Holy One. 

He takes my chin and raises eyes

To his of light and smiling strength. 

His touch, his hand, I lean and rest. 

He holding me, the coursing light

O welling up, but now the well

No longer feared for joy is all

From earth below to heaven high! 

To him! To him! To touch! Receive! 

((c) Gillian Ferwerda, June 2020)