Scripture

“Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

Observation

Some teachers of the law, together with some Pharisees, come to Jesus and demand a sign to prove his authority. Jesus rebuke them, saying that only an evil and adulterous generation would demand a sign.

He goes on to say that Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba will condemn these people on Judgement Day, because they have refused to listen to Him.

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the wilderness and eventually returns to the person it came from. It finds them empty and swept clean, so it goes and invites seven other spirits to join it. So the person is worse off than before.

Application

Evil spirits are real, and their ability to enter people’s lives is also real.

Jesus has given his followers authority over all demons. With a simple command spoken in faith, a Spirit-filled Christian can remove evil spirits.

But Jesus warns us that an empty person is a rich target for a person who is exorcised but does not have saving faith. This is because they have nothing to fill the space left by the departing demons. Unless the person receives salvation, and therefore the Holy Spirit, these demons may return and bring friends.

The ministry of deliverance is very powerful, but it must be used with great wisdom.

Satan is a vanquished foe, but he will use every tactic to consolidate his hold on people.

James says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I rejoice that you have won the victory over satan. Please help me to discern evil spirits and act with your wisdom. Amen.