The Kingdom Is At Hand

In Mark 9:38, John says to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” Apparently an individual who was not chosen as a special apostle had the boldness to drive out demons using the name of Jesus. The disciples thought he should not be doing this but Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us" (vv. 39-40).

Jesus casting out a demon

This is an amazing little story hidden in the Gospels. No other details are given about this person yet his testimony has the potential to ignite our faith to higher levels. This man was probably one of the many who had witnessed Jesus teach and perform miracles. Maybe he was even healed from a sickness or set free from demonic oppression. Whatever the case, he tapped into a reality that was available to those who were willing to grasp it- we can walk in the authority and power of Jesus through His name. The apostles mistakenly believed this man's actions were inappropriate but Jesus corrected them and pointed out that they were actually on the same team. Jesus continually preached the good news of the kingdom. For those with ears to ear and eyes to see this message was more than just about repentance, it was an invitation to enter into the nature of God's kingdom and experience transformation. Whereas others simply listened, observed, or even judged the ministry of Christ, this man realized that he was able to emulate it. I believe this obscure character can be a motivator for all believers to envision what is possible when we have faith and take risks. May the Church rise up in boldness to advance the kingdom through healing, deliverance, and salvation!

"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force." Matthew 11:12