”And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God” | Mark 1: 23-24

When the Lord Jesus went among the people preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, the people in the synagogue were astonished at His doctrine, for He taught them with authority.

They did not recognize, acknowledge nor confess His person as God the Son, but they were amazed at His words.

What is most remarkable the “unclean spirit,” knew exactly Who He was and confessed that Jesus Christ is the, “Holy One of God.” The demon spirit also confessed he was deserving of God’s righteous judgment, “art thou come to destroy us.” The demon spirit also cried out and said, “Let us alone; what have we to do with thee.”

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9-11)

The believer’s cry before the Lord is similar, yet completely different. We, by His grace do confess that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, but not only acknowledging His Lordship over us, but we willingly submit to Him and love Him supremely.

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,” (1 Peter 2: 7)

We say with Thomas, Jesus Christ is, “My Lord and my God”. “Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.” (John 20: 28)

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” (Psalm 51: 1-4)

Believers also confess they are deserving of God’s righteous judgment against our sin and plead for mercy.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18: 13-14)

However, our plea before the Lord is, don’t leave us alone, we need thee every hour in every way.

“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” (Hebrews 7: 22)

We need Thee, to be Surety and Sacrifice for us.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2: 5)

We need Thee, to be Mediator representing us.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2: 1)

We need Thee, to be Advocate pleading for us.

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2: 10)

We need Thee, to be Captain guiding and fighting for us.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2: 14-17)

We need Thee, to be Redeemer delivering us.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4: 14-16)

We need Thee, to be Great High Priest interceding for us.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 1-4)

We need Thee, to be the Chief, Great, and Good Shepherd providing all things for us. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

This is the Lord’s unwavering and steadfast promise to His covenant people that, He never will leave us. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8: 32)

What sweet comfort this affords the believer!

As one old writer put it, “The Lord Jesus Christ freely gives us all grace now and all glory hereafter”.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ Shall Have All Dominion” (36:59 minutes)

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Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 17 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a