READING:
One-year plan: Matthew 7-9
Two-year plan: Jeremiah 50, Hebrews 8
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It’s easy to be frightened by the topic of demons, but the Gospels remind us that the demons are no match for Jesus. Sometimes, the Word provides just a simple statement of Jesus’ power, like Matthew 8:16: “Many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word.” In the ancient world where exorcists and magicians had elaborate rituals and formulas to take on the demonic, Jesus exorcised them with simple statements; His power was in who He is, not in the number of words He used.
In other situations, the Word gives us more detail about an exorcism, though the result is the same. For example, Jesus faced two violent demon-possessed men who lived among the tombs, and He cast the demons out into a herd of pigs (Matt 8:28-34). What captures my attention is that the demons knew they were in trouble when Jesus showed up, for they knew He was the Son of God (Matt 8:29). Jesus is so mighty that just His presence is enough to defeat the demons.
He who rules over the demons rules over them because He actually rules over all—including us. Jesus, the Son of God, is indeed worthy of our worship.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Have you worshiped Jesus already today?
PRAYER: “Jesus, Master, You are good. Amen.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: Matthew 10-12
Two-year plan: Jeremiah 51, Hebrews 9:1-10
MEMORIZATION VERSE (October 1-15)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)