LHM Daily Devotion - "Confronting a Demon"

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Confronting a Demon"

March 8, 2017

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, ESV)

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.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.