Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 4:31-37.
TEXT: And in the synagogue there was a man who
had the spirit of an uncleandemon, and he cried out
with a loud voice (Luke 4:33).

After being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth,
Jesus sets up His headquarters in the town of
Capernaum. On the Sabbath He begins teaching in
the synagogue. Once again the people are amazed at
His powerful words. But sitting in their midst is a man
possessed by a demon.

Demons are fallen angels. In the beginning God
created them pure and holy, but following their
rebellious leader Satan they rose up against their
Creator. Jesus would later tell His disciples, "I saw
Satan fall like lightning" (Luke 10:18b). Cast out
of heaven, Satan and his demonic angels turned their
rage and hatred against the humans God had created.

Here in the synagogue this ancient enemy cries out
in a loud voice, "Ha! What have You to do with us,
Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us?"
Since their fall all the demons have known and
dreaded the coming of God's Son in judgment.

In terror the demon blurts out, "I know who You are-
the Holy One of God!"

Jesus gives the first of two short commands:
"Be silent." Standing before God's mighty Son the
demon immediately falls silent.

Then Jesus commands, "Come out of Him!" In
obedience the demon immediately comes out,
throwing the man down in the process. But under
Jesus' protecting eye the man is left completely
unharmed.

In the wilderness Satan had tempted Jesus to bow
down and worship him. But on the Last Day Satan
and all his evil host will bow down and worship their
Creator and Judge-and be cast into hell forever.


THE PRAYER:
Almighty God, like Satan and his demons, I have
sinned against You. Forgive me for Jesus' sake and
free me from Satan's power that I may serve You
now and forever. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)