Scripture:
Matthew 12:43-45 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
An Unclean Spirit's Return
43 "When an unclean [a] spirit comes out of a man, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn't find any. (A) 44 Then it says, 'I'll go back to my house that I came from.' And when it arrives, it finds [the house] vacant, swept, and put in order. 45 Then off it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that man's last condition is worse than the first. (B) That's how it will also be with this evil generation."
Footnotes:
Matthew 12:43 Morally or ceremonially impure
Cross references:
Matthew 12:43 : Lk 11:24-26;
Matthew 12:45 : Heb 6:4; 2Pt 2:20;
Reflection:
What is the point of Jesus' grim story about a vacant house being occupied by some evil force? If you knew that someone had a life-threatening disease, would you let that person into your house without proper protection? Sin and evil are like deadly viruses. They are especially contagious when we get close to them and allow them to infect us. Jesus warned his followers about leaving their homes and lives unprotected from destructive and evil forces. It's not enough, however, to simply" clean house" by banishing evil thoughts and breaking with bad habits . Something has to take their place to fill the void that has been created.
God wants to fill the void in our lives with himself and with the good things he provides for our well-being. Augustine of Hippo said that our lives have a God-shaped void which only God can fill satisfactory. If we attempt to leave it vacant or to fill it with something else, we will be worse in the end. What do you fill the void in your life with? Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it. There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another— the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God's word, we open to door to the power of sin and Satan. If we want to live in freedom from sin and Satan, then our house must be occupied by Jesus where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to God and his word?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, be the ruler of my heart and the master of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your lordship.
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