The Power to Defeat Evil

Scripture: Luke 11:15-26
15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; 16 while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 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 Be-el'zebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; 22 but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. 23 He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 24 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

Reflection:  Evil is real. In today's world we feel that more bad things are committed than good things. It is expected for we live in a sinful world. We humans have a fallen nature because of our disobedience to God, and in our weakness we are prone to choose what is bad instead of what is good. That's why news headlines are more about crime, scandal, and corruption than good deeds. It seems that the battle is favoring the dark side... for now. But the war is still not over. The war is between good and evil, between God and the devil. At stake is our eternal fate. So we must be active soldiers in this fight and choose the winning side.

We know who will come out victorious in this war for Jesus already conquered sin and death. His own death and resurrection is a powerful statement of victory against the forces of evil. Jesus always reminds His disciples: "be not afraid", and he continues to speak these words to us now. Jesus is the true conqueror, and all our fears are no match for His power. Evil spirits tremble at the mention of His name, and they scamper away at His command.

The power to resist evil is given by Jesus to those who let Him reign in their hearts. But first we must make room for Him by driving away all sinfulness. This power is ours for the taking. Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, let us open it and make it fit to be His throne room.