“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”2 Chronicles 7:14

God heard the cries of the humble.  He provided a way back to Him with healing, wholeness, and forgiveness in one package.  God sent His One and Only Son, the One with power to heal, set free those bound by demons, while showing a refreshing and sincere compassion to the brokenhearted and oppressed with love for those the community deem unacceptable. He is Messiah come to save us from all our sins.  He is the Way, Truth, and Life for everyone who believes and follows Him.  He is Jesus Christ, Son of Man who bore our sins and Son of God who is the Victor over death.

Luke 4, The Message

He Healed Them All

^38-39 He left the meeting place and went to Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was running a high fever and they asked him to do something for her. He stood over her, told the fever to leave—and it left. Before they knew it, she was up getting dinner for them.

^40-41 When the sun went down, everyone who had anyone sick with some ailment or other brought them to him. One by one he placed his hands on them and healed them. Demons left in droves, screaming, “Son of God! You’re the Son of God!” But he shut them up, refusing to let them speak because they knew too much, knew him to be the Messiah.

^42-44 He left the next day for open country. But the crowds went looking and, when they found him, clung to him so he couldn’t go on. He told them, “Don’t you realize that there are yet other villages where I have to tell the Message of God’s kingdom, that this is the work God sent me to do?” Meanwhile he continued preaching in the meeting places of Galilee.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The demons recognized Jesus because they knew Him well.  They knew where He came from and where He was going.  They knew His mission as Messiah!  The devil, AKA as “the father of lies”, lived among the angels in heaven until this demon of pride was expelled, throw out, and banished from heaven for trying to be God and take His place.  Yes, to say the demons know Jesus is an understatement.  They know Jesus and know what He is capable of doing. 

This fallen angel, as scripture describes, has an army of demons who were banished with him.  Who is this fallen angel?  What does he look like and how does he behave?  God’s word is full of descriptions and warnings so that we can be made aware of the dangers of succumbing to his antics, temptations and stirred thoughts that seek to destroy us.  The devil’s character traits are opposite of God’s character.  Galatians 5 and other passages in God’s Word describe these traits clearly.  AND like a chameleon, he can look like all that is good!  But he is not…it’s all an act to draw us in for the kill!

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.”   1 Peter 5:8, MSG

The devil’s demons know Jesus has power over them.  That’s why we read often that the demons scream for mercy!  The demons of the devil, the real enemy of mankind, know they don’t stand a chance of holding their grip on the souls of those possessed by them when Jesus enters the room. They knew and still know that Jesus was/is/always will be the Son of God, sent by God, who will heal, rescue, and ultimately be the sacrifice for all the sins of the world.  But the demons of the devil still put up a fight while knowing they won’t win.  Their persistent goal is to continue to make life miserable for their victims until Jesus is asked to intervene and set them free from bondage!

When the crowds of people found Jesus, they clung to Him and would not let Him go.

To combat the demons in our lives that continually harass us with thoughts of discontent, worry, and selfishness that breeds pride and arrogance, cling to Jesus.  It’s a daily decision to stay in His Presence guided by His Holy Spirit.  When you feel the pull to do otherwise, look up and say, “I trust you, Jesus!”  “Lead me, dear Jesus.”  You will be amazed how this declaration diminishes the devil’s promptings when prayed in the Name of Jesus!

Believe and be saved.  Repent and be restored. 

Cling to Jesus and don’t let Him go from your heart, mind, and soul. 

Love as if your life depended on it…because it does!

Lord,

We cling to your love today with a firm grip of faith.  Come and cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, refresh our souls with your new mercies and restore the joy and peace of your salvation at work within us.  Thank you for loving us the way you do. Thank you for warning us of the dangers of the evil one who seeks to distract us from you and all that is good.

In Jesus Name, Amen