THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 4:38-41
“Jesus rebuked them and would not allow them to speak…” (Luke 4:41)
In my experience, demons are bodyless voices that taunt, torment and tempt.
Whatever their spiritual substance is, it’s their spiritual intent that matters.
They want to discourage, defeat, distract, or deceive us from God.
These dark voices were trying to use Jesus’ identity against Him.
Like Satan did in the wilderness: “if you are the Son of God…”
But when they try with Jesus, He silences them, refuses them.
He renounces their lies, reaffirms the truth, and refuses to listen.
Jesus did not have some kind of extra power over demons that we don’t have.
He had God’s backing (see yesterday), and His own determination.
We can rebuke the negative voices that assault our minds and hearts too.
When they whisper, we can refuse to let them speak.
‘No, that is not true, this is true; I stand by the truth!’
‘No, that is not good, this is good; I choose the good!’
With God’s Spirit helping me, will I rebuke and refuse demons today?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You have beaten Satan. I belong to You. Satan can still lie, but I can resist him so that he will flee from me!
They asked Jesus to help.
The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness . . .
And where do I go for help?
Jesus.
Jesus is the answer.
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
He is my Comforter, Healer, Friend, Redeemer, Saviour.
My All in all.
The joy of the Lord God is my strength and song.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.