Week of Prayer, Day 3: God Above All Others
— Meditation —
Read the story of the Man With A Demon (below). In this story, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man and sends the demons into a herd of nearby pigs. It demonstrates Jesus’ power over other spirits, and his authority as “Son of the Most High God.”
They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
Luke 8v26-33 (NIV)
— Devotional —
Why do so many people dread going to the dentist? Why are some terrified of flying? And why is public speaking often listed as one of the most common fears?
A common thread runs through all these anxieties: the loss of control. Fear grips us most when we realize we are not in charge of our circumstances. This is the same reason people fear tight spaces, deep water, or even job interviews. We yearn for control—because surrendering it feels terrifying.
So imagine the daily terror of the demon-possessed man in Luke 8. He had lost nearly everything—his family, sanity, home, and even his clothes (v27). He wasn’t even in control of his own body. Others had tried restraining him with chains to keep him from harming himself and others (see Mk. 5:4-5). We don’t know his full story, but we do know that demon worship wasn’t uncommon in Galilee due to pagan Assyrian influences. As a result, many demons had taken over his body and mind. They were in charge.
Until Jesus took control.
This story reveals many aspects of Jesus’ character—his heart for the broken, his power to heal and transform, and his willingness to go where others wouldn’t (Jews avoided graveyards; see v27). By the end, the man was “clothed and in his right mind” (v35). Here, Jesus is a loving Savior.
But one aspect of Jesus’ character stands out even more: he is the God above all others. The demons recognized this, calling him the “Son of the Most High God” and begging, “I beg you, do not torment me!” (v28). This was a real-life example of demons knowing Jesus and shuddering (Jas. 2:19). He called them by name (v31), cast them into a herd of pigs (v32), restored the man’s body and mind (v35), and sent him to proclaim God’s power (v39). In every way, Jesus proved he was in control.
For you, O Yahweh, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
— Psalm 97v9
Jesus’ title, Son of the Most High God, is significant. Most High God (Hebrew: el el-yon) is a common Old Testament title for Yahweh, meaning “God, the highest god.” The Old Testament writers used it to declare Yahweh’s supremacy over the so-called gods of the nations—idols, demons, and spirits. He is more powerful, faithful, and loving—not to mention the only true God. It’s almost like they’re saying, “My God can beat up your god!” The story of the demon-possessed man makes it clear: Jesus and Yahweh are one and the same. Jesus is the God above all others.
For the surrounding village, this encounter with Jesus caused widespread fear (v37). For the man, it sparked a passion to proclaim Jesus to the nearby cities (v39; Mk. 5:20). For us, meditating on this passage should lead to a deep sense of worship.
In a way, worship and fear are related. Both acknowledge something—or Someone—greater in control. Both require surrender. Both stir awe and wonder, sometimes mingled with terror. No wonder Scripture often connects them (see Prov. 9:10; Lk. 5:26). The difference is that fear leads to isolation, self-destruction, and death, while worship leads to the transforming power and love of Jesus. Today may we be people who, given the choice, choose to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship.
— Prayer —
The following guide acts as a prompt to help you cultivate a sense of worship in your heart today. Take your time—don’t rush through it. Go point by point, allowing space for your own thoughts and words to flow as you pray.
[Pray out loud] God, you are above, better, and more important than all other pursuits in my life.
I have a lot of big things going on in my life. I know they pale in comparison to you, but they seem awfully large to me right now. I bring them to you today, with faith that you can show yourself bigger.
1. Name one or two of the things in your life right now that seem “awfully large” and beyond your control. These could be situations, relationships, sins, or decisions that you need to make. With honesty, describe to God what it has been like to try to maintain control of them.
2. Pray a simple expression of trust in God while calling him by one of his many names. For reference, here are a few: God Most High, Wonderful Counselor, Provider, Redeemer, Maker of All Things, God Almighty, Everlasting Father, God Who Sees, and King of kings. This prayer might sound something like, “In my anxious situation, I trust in you, the God Who Sees, because you care for me.”
3. Conclude with a few minutes of worship in the presence of God. This can look like words of adoration, tell him how you feel about him. Or it can look like singing a song, perhaps along with one on YouTube or Spotify. Or it can be as simple as repeating the many doxologies (“worship-words”) in the Bible. Here are a few: Mt. 6:13, Rom. 11:36; Eph. 3:20-21; Jude 1:24-25.
[Pray out loud] Jesus, I desperately need you to take the throne in my heart today. You are my Lord and my God. You are my joy and strength. You are the most important pursuit in my life. You are worthy of worship, and I give you complete control.
Amen.
