Word@Work Luke186 - Luke 11:24-26
Published: Wed, 09/08/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
AFTER THE STORM
Luke 11:24-26 "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." (NIV)
Jesus' approach to casting out demons was a big puzzle for those who did not want to welcome Him as the Son of God. They questioned His authority, and even suggested that He used Satan's power to remove evil spirits. Then Jesus told them a story: He wanted them to think about what happens after the demons make their exit. God always works to perfection, and does not remove evil just to allow more evil to invade a person.
The evil spirit is depicted as a wanderer looking for a place to rest. When somebody has been delivered from demonic terrorisation and manipulation, that is not the end: what happens next is most important because it sets the pattern for the future. If the demon's place is not occupied, evil will find it a comfortable place to reinvade, and with worse consequences than before. The point Jesus was making is this: removing the terror of evil is only half of the job - the other half is to fill the person with the life of God, and only Jesus could do that.
Often we may pray to be delivered from evil, but if we do not actively seek the filling of God's holy presence we leave ourselves exposed in a dangerous way. The Lord Jesus is not just a collector of our rubbish but a person who eagerly desires to live in us with full authority over every area of life. His Holy Spirit is the only person who can fill the void left by the presence of evil in our lives. Many would like the discomfort of wickedness removed so that they can get on with their selfish lives undisturbed, but without the undiluted presence of God, disturbance will come. So we lead men and woman to the Lord, not just for their healing but so that they may become wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ and filled with His Spirit so that they may serve Him and give no place to the devil.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You that Satan's power and authority is limited; and that where You move in, he has to move out. May I not only have the desire for Your power to rid me of evil, but also for Your Holy Spirit to fill every part of me. I also pray for my friends and colleagues who would love You to remove the discomforts associated with wickedness but have no desire to receive You as Lord and Master. Help me to show them that it is essential for them to be filled with Your presence and become children of God, otherwise evil will find its way to dominate their lives again. Help me to welcome Your presence every day and work with You so that others may enjoy freedom in Christ. For His Name's sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Jesus' approach to casting out demons was a big puzzle for those who did not want to welcome Him as the Son of God. They questioned His authority, and even suggested that He used Satan's power to remove evil spirits. Then Jesus told them a story: He wanted them to think about what happens after the demons make their exit. God always works to perfection, and does not remove evil just to allow more evil to invade a person.
The evil spirit is depicted as a wanderer looking for a place to rest. When somebody has been delivered from demonic terrorisation and manipulation, that is not the end: what happens next is most important because it sets the pattern for the future. If the demon's place is not occupied, evil will find it a comfortable place to reinvade, and with worse consequences than before. The point Jesus was making is this: removing the terror of evil is only half of the job - the other half is to fill the person with the life of God, and only Jesus could do that.
Often we may pray to be delivered from evil, but if we do not actively seek the filling of God's holy presence we leave ourselves exposed in a dangerous way. The Lord Jesus is not just a collector of our rubbish but a person who eagerly desires to live in us with full authority over every area of life. His Holy Spirit is the only person who can fill the void left by the presence of evil in our lives. Many would like the discomfort of wickedness removed so that they can get on with their selfish lives undisturbed, but without the undiluted presence of God, disturbance will come. So we lead men and woman to the Lord, not just for their healing but so that they may become wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ and filled with His Spirit so that they may serve Him and give no place to the devil.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You that Satan's power and authority is limited; and that where You move in, he has to move out. May I not only have the desire for Your power to rid me of evil, but also for Your Holy Spirit to fill every part of me. I also pray for my friends and colleagues who would love You to remove the discomforts associated with wickedness but have no desire to receive You as Lord and Master. Help me to show them that it is essential for them to be filled with Your presence and become children of God, otherwise evil will find its way to dominate their lives again. Help me to welcome Your presence every day and work with You so that others may enjoy freedom in Christ. For His Name's sake. Amen.
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