March 26, 2025
One Way Only - Part 3
Luke 11:17-18,20
03/26/2025
17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them,
``Every kingdom divided against itself is laid
waste, and a divided household falls.
18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how
will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast
out demons by Beelzebul. ...
20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out
demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon
you.'' (ESV)
Jesus had cast out a demon from a man. Many who saw this
example of His power over evil suggested that this was a trick,
that Jesus was a fraud who was in league with the prince of
demons.
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, ``Every
kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a
divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided
against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you
say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ... But if it
is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then
the kingdom of God has come upon you.''
It is absurd to think that the devil would want people to
think that he was unable to resist the power of Jesus.
Throughout history it has been shown time and again that a nation
experiencing a civil war is ripe for defeat if attacked by an
enemy. Although Saint Luke did not comment on the words of the
demon who was cast out, other times the demons fought and cursed
Jesus as He overpowered them. The demons were terrified of
Jesus, which would not be the case if this was a show being put
on by the devil for some unknown reason.
When we see the power of God, we should acknowledge that
power. When we hear of God's grace, we should not doubt His love
and mercy. When we understand that He is our refuge and strength
in times of trouble, we should not turn away from Him.
May our Lord grant us eyes to see His love as demonstrated
by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.