“And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth our devils through Beelzebub the chief of devils. And others, tempting him, sought of a sign from heaven. But he knowing their thoughts said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said,
Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11 v14-28 AKJV
In Jesus day, many things can be seen relative to today. Here, “some of them” claimed that Jesus was casting out evilness through the power of the devils and even went as far as referring to him as “chief of the devils.”
He first began to show them how that standing against him would represent division among themselves, and him, and could not stand. Jesus went further to teach them that even the enemy of the cross, divided against himself could not stand.
Today, where do we arrive with true judgement or true authority over evil? From the children to adults people have become caught up in the judgement of our own. Confusion is out of control in every sector of society. Government, military, job-place’s, schools, even some organization of churches, yet many desire to use our own judgement without God. Jesus told them the would have the opportunity for “your sons…shall be your judges.” The good part is, if they know God it is a good thing. He also told them, “if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” He said to them, you are witnessing the hand of God upon you.
To be like Jesus. He withstood the ridicules and even voiced his sharp disapproval of their lack of belief in him. He goes on to say, “blessed are they…. that hear the word, and keep it.” When we trust in God, all will be well.
Lord, I am thankful for this day. Keep us in the understanding of your word and how it is to impact our lives. We know you will because by being born again your spirit lives within us. Let us hear your word today. Amen
January 23
Threecrosses 