Reflecting on Luke 13:10-17“…Whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years.” (Luke 13:16)
Her physical condition is described as “crippled by a spirit”. (Luke 13:11)
Is arthritis a crippling spirit, or is cancer being bound by Satan?
Is there a spiritual element to all our physical conditions?
The creation story suggests that all suffering is the result of the curse.
Jesus comes to end the curse, and to make all things new (Revelation 21-22).
It seems to me that physical illness does have a spiritual aspect to it.
We are spiritual, physical, social and moral beings; each aspect matters.
In all our situations, there is some aspect of evil at work, harming us.
But there is also something good at work, countering the evil.
A spirit of perseverance, faith and hope – she still went to synagogue.
Jesus also points to her spiritual identity; chosen like Abraham for a purpose.
In every condition we find ourselves in, evil is at work to hinder or harm us.
But so is God, working to encourage, help and eventually set us free.
Which spirit do we focus on, and give greater power too?
I choose to focus on the encouraging, liberating Spirit of Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, every day the spirit of evil is trying to discourage, distract, disable and defeat me. But Your Spirit is working too, compelling me with faith, hope and love. Help me to resist crippling spirits, and to stay focused on Your liberating Spirit.
Every day is a day of our Lord God. Today is also His day and I need to go forward in His power and strength and not my own. He has given His Spirit to lead and guide me how to live for Jesus. That way I am in tune with God. The hymn ‘Living for Jesus’ kept coming to my mind in today’s devotional – the bottom line is that I am not my own but belong to Him. He is my Guardian and Guide each day as I live for Him.