Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105:16-30
Wisdom of the Day: Job 22:18-30
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:26-36
Let us see the wonderful change which Christ can work in Satan's slaves. We are told that the Gadarenes "found the man the demons had departed from sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind." That sight must indeed have been strange and astonishing! The man's past history and condition were well known. He had probably been a nuisance and a terror to all the neighborhood. Yet in one moment, a complete change had come over him. Old things had passed away, and all things had become new! The power was almighty. When Christ is the physician, then nothing is impossible!
One thing, however, must never be forgotten. As striking and as miraculous as this cure was, it is not really any more astonishing than every case of true conversion to God. As marvelous as the change was which appeared in this demoniac's condition when healed, it is not one whit more marvelous than the change which passes over every one who is born again, and turned from the power of Satan to God!
Never is a man in his right mind until he is converted. Are we slaves of Satan or servants of God? Has Christ made us free, or does the devil yet reign in our hearts? Do we sit at the feet of Jesus daily? Are we in our right minds? May the Lord help us to answer these questions aright!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to serve you today in the power of Christ. Help me to refuse to be a servant to Satan.
Action Plan: Consider what actions I do that are ungodly? Why do I struggle with them? How do I defeat them?
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.
