Scripture

“If I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.”

Observation

A demon- possessed man is brought to Jesus who heals him. The crowd is amazed and asks if He could be the Messiah.

The Pharisees say that Jesus gets His power from satan. But Jesus says that any kingdom divided against itself in this way is doomed.

The only power strong enough to cast out demons is from the one who is stronger than satan, that is God.

A tree is identified by its fruit. The lives of the Pharisees show that there is no good within them. They cannot even tell the difference between good and evil, so they will have to give an account on the day of judgement.

Application

Jesus’ ability to cast out demons was the most obvious sign of the presence of God’s kingdom.

The war for people’s souls is still incredibly strong, but the victory is assured through Jesus Christ. Every time a person, or a group of people, confesses that Jesus is Lord, the kingdom of God is manifest. Every time somebody says “Yes” to Jesus, the kingdom of God grows stronger.

We see satan’s evil shown in all kinds of ways. Lawlessness, violence, lies, betrayal, sin, all represent the power of satan to hold people in bondage.

But just one touch from the Holy Spirit is enough to set free a person who desires liberation. There is no cage that satan can construct that God cannot pull down with just a word.

Prayer

Thank you Lord. Your kingdom is so much stronger than the power of satan. Amen.