Today’s readings: Esther 7:1–10; Acts 19:11–20; Luke 4:14–30
The text for today’s meditation is difficult for many to accept. Several years ago, a woman I knew abruptly withdrew from the church because this text appeared in a Sunday Gospel reading. She never wanted to hear anything about devils or demons. I tried to assure her that the church is not glorifying such figures, but their reality is depicted extensively in the Holy Bible. Direct references to Satan and devils occur more than 150 times. Note that the “unclean demon” in Luke 4 asks Jesus if he came “to destroy us.” In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5 (verse 9), when Jesus asked an evil spirit his name, it replied “Legion, for we are many.”
As we look around the world today, we can see that numerous unclean demons are still in business. Our prisons, detox centers, hospitals, and treatment centers around our world attest to many who are battling with demons of all sorts. Many Christians can attest to the demons and the truth that Jesus is still in the healing and casting out demons business. What demons are you battling? Daily invite Jesus into your life and watch the many demons you are battling with move out.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, guide us in our battles with the many demons that continue to afflict our lives today, that we may one day take our place, out of their reach, in your glorious kingdom. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Rev. Robert V. Alle, NALC Pastor.
Tomorrow’s readings: Esther 9:1–32; Acts 20:1–16; Luke 4:38–44