Christian Reflection and Prayer

And in the synagogue there was a man who had the
spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a
loud voice. (Luke 4:33)

 

Read Luke 4:31-37

 

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.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries