INTERFERING

Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon—an evil spirit—began shouting at Jesus, “Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus cut him short. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further. Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!” —Luke 4:33-36

Demons recognize Jesus more readily that people do! They understand Jesus’ power and authority and that one day they will be judged forever. Those people who do not know Jesus “must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (II Timothy 2:25-26). Satan does not want anyone to do God’s will. He wants people to do his will and whether they know it or not, those who have not trusted Jesus are doing Satan’s will! Top priority in Satan’s will is to keep people from trusting Jesus and doing His will.

All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). In the context of the verses above the people were amazed at Jesus’ authority to cast out this demon. “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God” (II Corinthians 4:4). But, “God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ” (v.5). With the same power of His Word that He called light into existence in Genesis 1:3 so He causes light to shine through the gospel in a person’s life that they may come to salvation in Jesus! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo9ZWX1lEKI

How many of us think it may be “interfering” to share the gospel with someone? Or, how many people have we shared the gospel with and they feel like we are interfering with them? No surprise! This is what the demon said to Jesus! — “Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ does interfere with a person’s life! The gospel calls for them to change allegiance and follow the King of kings instead of the defeated “god of this world” which is Satan. It is a calling of those ensnared by Satan to be loosed by Jesus. It is a calling of those imprisoned by Satan to freedom in Jesus. It is a calling to those doing Satan’s will to do God’s will. It is a calling to become what we were intended to be— in relationship with God… forever!

Dear Father, I rejoice for all that You have done for me through Jesus. I am grateful to know You and Your purposes for me and for this Creation of Yours. Oh, may I be faithful to what You have called me to in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.

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