Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
I am not sure if you and I have ever had a conversation about the devil. We know that the worship of idols is strictly forbidden as it is really the worship of demons. Moses tells us that the foreign gods and idols that the Egyptians were worshipping were demons. We wrongly think that if we mention Satan’s name that we would then become vulnerable to his attacks. We have also been told from our parents that when we follow God, we are safe from any interaction with the devil. My journey with Jesus is teaching me that Satan is a very real and powerful enemy who has put many in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bondage.
Recently we had a demon oppressed man approach us who was living in the tombs. I was so frightened as he was dirty, naked, full of scars, violent, and had chains dangling from his limbs. We discovered later that townsmen would try to chain him, but he was so powerful that no one could subdue him. Everyone, except Jesus, feared him. In fact, this man feared our Master! He fell on his knees in front of Jesus and begged him not to torture him. He called Jesus, Son of the Most High God. When Jesus commanded the evil spirit to identify himself and come out of the man, the spirit said, “Legion, for we are many.” The crazed behavior and supernatural strength was coming from the evil spirits. The spirits knew that they must submit to Jesus’ authority and leave the man. They begged to not go to the Abyss but rather to the nearby herd of two-thousand pigs. When Jesus gave them permission, they fled into the pigs who then ran into the lake and drowned.
The whole experience made me quake at seeing the strength of the devil to destroy a man. At the same time, I marveled and rejoiced at the power and authority of Jesus over all evil spirits. They are no match for our Lord.
The beautiful thing too is that the demonized man was completely healed! I will never stop marveling at the healing work of our Master!
Sadly, the townspeople demanded we leave as they were more focused on the death of their pigs than the miraculous healing of this man. I realize their animals were their livelihood, but couldn’t they see that the Son of God has come and is healing the sick and delivering us from Satan’s destruction? A man’s life was saved. The Messiah has come! We should rejoice!
Sister, the power of darkness is real. Satan is the ruler of this world. He has come to destroy us and keep us from following and worshipping the One True God. However, we do not need to live in fear. God’s power is greater. The evil spirits must submit to the authority of Jesus. Our Savior has come to set us free from darkness.
Trusting in the power of our Savior,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39, Deuteronomy 32:17, 1 Peter 5:8)
Today’s Application:
What is your perspective on Satan and his demons? Do you live in fear of them? Do you ignore them thinking they will have nothing to do with you as you are a believer in Christ? Are you aware that the devil is at times influencing you and those you love? Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us that our battle is against Satan and his demons, not against flesh and blood. Paul tells us to be alert for the devil is working to deceive us and lead us astray from the truth. Using the weapons of prayer, God’s Word, Jesus’ name, and the authority Christ has given us (Matthew 28:18-20), reject the lies of the enemy and speak out the truth of God’s Word.
Rebuke the devil’s work and call on the healing power of God.
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