Power in Word and Deed, part 2

But Jesus rebuked him, saying ‘be quiet and come out of him!’ and when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm. And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, ‘what is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out. 

And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding district.

 

Last time, we saw the power of Jesus’ word. He spoke with authority and the people were amazed. They were amazed, but not saved. His words got their attention but not the devotion of their hearts. 

Click here to read the previous post.

In addition to the power of His word, we are about to see the power of His work and deeds. 

 

A Demon Speaks 

It’s not every day that we hear a demon speaks.

In the underworld of Satan, the usual manner of demons is to remain incognito. Their work is best accomplished without bringing too much attention to themselves. Don’t get me wrong, there is some horrendous evidence of the work of Satan in our world. There is a deep evil in this world and that evil is fueled by the forces of Satan. No doubt.  

But in our daily lives, the work of Satan and his demons is usually subtle. Their work is a work of influence. It’s not usually overtly loud and physically evident. The evil one tends to whisper to our mind rather than talk out-load in our face. 

 

Times are Changing 

My observation is that the demons were more visible during the ministry of Jesus and the early ministry of the apostles. This was a time when they were startled, unsettled and fearful.  

Why do I say this? Remember, when Jesus arrived on the scene, the evidence of God on the earth and among the Jews had been minimal. There hadn’t been a prophet of God preaching the Word for over 400 years. This period of time before Jesus arrives is called the 400 years of silence for Israel. They had the writings of Moses and the prophets but no one spoke with authority, such as the prophets had done many years ago. 

When Jesus arrived, I believe the demons were freaking out. We can see their frightened behavior in today’s narrative in Luke. 

 

There are two things that Satan doesn’t want you to know. 

There are two key things that should be ‘top-of-mind’ to us when it comes to the topic of Satan and demons: (These two things should bring comfort and confidence). 

 

• Demons are terrified of God – You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. James 2:19 
• Demons are terrified of God’s soldiers – Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7 

 

First, demons are theologians. They are orthodox theologians. That means they have a true and correct understanding of God and who He is. They hate him, yes, but they believe in Him and know Him to be the true and living God. 

Have you ever heard someone describe an arrogant person by saying, ‘the fear of God is not in him’? Such a person is a fool. Demons, on the other hand, are fools as well but for different reasons. They do indeed fear God but they partake in evil anyway.

Demons fear God and tremble before Him. They know the true nature and power of God, and they tremble. They shake! They freak out! 

Back to our story.

The demon in today’s passage is probably trying to stay quiet. He doesn’t want to blow his cover. He’s trying to do his devious work in hiding. But he can’t help himself. He’s freaking out and you can hear it in his words.

 

‘Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God.’ 

This demon knows God; he hates God; he trembles in fear before God. I believe that is a correct description of all demons. They are cowards. 

 

Be encouraged; demons are terrified of God.

They are absolutely powerless and completely and utter subject to the will of God. Next time, we’ll look at the reality that demons are terrified of God’s soldiers (and why I use the word soldier). 

 

Father, we are sorry that we get wrapped up sometimes in the affairs of this life and allow Satan to wield his influence over us. He sometimes tricks us, but it is only temporary. We are so grateful that we are ultimately protected by the power of Your might and authority. You are everything to us. You are the shield and protector of my soul. I love You, I submit to You, I give You my heart in gratitude and humility. Amen!