READING: Luke 8-9
These chapters are filled with stories of Jesus’ power over the enemy. Satan seeks to snatch the Word away from hearers, but God still plants His seed in some whose fruit becomes evident (Luke 8:1-15). Jesus freed a man possessed of dozens of demons and restored him “dressed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35). The Lord then gave to His disciples His authority to “drive out all demons” (Luke 9:1). Though they failed in casting out a demon because of unbelief, Jesus nevertheless “rebuked the impure spirit” (Luke 9:42). In addition to Jesus’ disciples, others apparently cast out demons in His name as well (Luke 9:49-50).
Many of these stories we know fairly well. What we sometimes miss is a single introduction of Mary Magdalene that describes her most desperate state prior to meeting Christ: “Mary (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had come out” (Luke 8:2). We don’t know what symptoms she exhibited (and the text doesn’t tell us that she was a prostitute, as many often assume), but we can know that this woman was surely in a desperate state.
What we also know, however, is that no number of demons is a match for Jesus, the Son of God. Whether it’s the one demon inhabiting the father’s son, the seven demons controlling Mary, or the legion of demons possessing the grave-dwelling outcast, Jesus reigns in authority over them all. He frees the boy from a demon who sought to destroy him. He dramatically changes the outcast and sends him back to his home as His evangelist. And, in Mary’s case, He releases her from bondage and would use her as a first witness to the truth of the resurrection!
You see, nothing we face today is more powerful than our Lord. Nothing.
Nothing, regardless of what the enemy whispers in our ears.
Nothing, no matter how much we worry or fret.
Nothing, despite how ominous or overwhelming our concerns might seem.
No one, no thing, no power can defeat the One who lives in us.
Amen.
ACTION STEPS:
- Praise God today for His authority and power.
- Whatever you’re facing that overwhelms you, turn it over to Christ in prayer.
PRAYER: “God, You are supreme over all powers. Praise You and You alone!”
TOMORROW’S READING: Luke 10-11
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