Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105:1-15
Wisdom for the Day: Job 22:1-17
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:26-36
The well-known story which we have now read, is carefully recorded by all of the first three Gospel-writers. It is a striking instance of our Lord's complete dominion over the evil prince of this world. We see the great enemy of our souls for once completely vanquished.
The picture brought before us is a frightful one. We are told that when our Lord arrived in the country of the Gadarenes, "He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs." We are also told that although he had been "bound with chains and in fetters, he broke the chains, and was driven by the devil into the wilderness."
In short, the case seems to have been one of the most aggravated forms of demon possession. The unhappy sufferer was under the complete dominion of Satan both in body and soul. As long as he continued in this state he must have been a burden and a trouble to all around him. His mental faculties were under the control of a "legion" of demons. His bodily strength was only employed for his own injury and shame. It is difficult to conceive of a more pitiable state for mortal man to be in!
But Jesus Christ has absolute power. We are told that he "commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man," whose miserable condition we have just heard described. At once the unhappy sufferer was healed. The "many demons" by whom he had been possessed, were compelled to leave him.
Our Lord Jesus Christ's dominion over the devil should be a cheering thought to all true Christians. We never have reason to despair. The Lord Jesus is stronger than that "strong man armed," who is ever warring against our souls. The Lord Jesus is able to deliver us from the devil. He proved his power over him frequently when upon earth. He triumphed over him gloriously on the cross. He will never let him pluck any of His sheep out of His hand. He will one day bruise him under our feet, and forever bind him in the prison of Hell.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus has absolute power. Help me to trust in you absolutely.
Action Plan: What trials or difficulties are you going to face today? As Christians, we know our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the wicked one and his armies. How will you let God fight your battles for you today? Will you bear your own burden by planning your own path? Take one step at a time today trusting God.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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