Mark 1:32-34 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought to him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.… These may be divided into distinct classes. I. Miracles of RESTORATION. Raising up the afflicted from a helpless, incapable state, to a condition of self-help and usefulness. This Christ's grace is continually doing. Sin works evil results on man's nature similar to, and worse than, those wrought by fever, paralysis, or impotency, making men vicious, shiftless, indolent, useless. The gospel brings back our fallen nature to its proper dignity and worth. II. MIRACLES DELIVERING FROM EVIL SPIRITS. Do we not sometimes feel, even the best of us, as demoniacs act? The power of Christ can cure us. III. Miracles of CLEANSING. Sin defiles the purity of the soul, and, so far as this defilement is felt and perceived, it separates the sinner from others. He feels that a gulf divides him from the pure and good; his conscience often drives him into voluntary solitude; and if his sin is particularly gross and shameful, the sentiment of society sends him into banishment. The seeds of evil which produce this defilement are hid in every soul. They are the source of evil thoughts and base suggestions which we are glad are not visible to all. Who could bare to expose his secret thoughts to the gaze of the world? Who has not need to pray, "Make and keep me pure within?" Christ's grace is able to do this. He cleanses from the foulest leprosy of sin. (A. H. Currier.) Parallel Verses KJV: And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. |
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