October 7th~Demons and Death

Mark 5:1-20

Matthew 8:28-34

Luke 8:26-39

Mark 5:21-43

Matthew 9:18-26

Luke 8:40-56

We focused on two particular stories — the exorcism of two demon-possessed men and the healing of the daughter of Jairus, a leader in the synagogue. Sandwiched in the story of Jairus is the woman who suffered from hemorrhaging. She fought through the crowd only to touch the fringe of Jesus’ robe. She believed that if she could touch Him, she would be healed. Jesus commented on her incredible faith.

The miracles of Jesus, of course, came in all shapes and sizes. We have read about many of them already. Today’s passage, however, focused on His power to overcome demons and death, two forces that we cannot overcome in our own power and which cause a great deal of fear. Many people view death as the ultimate enemy, the inevitable end from which we cannot escape and behind which there is no hope. In that view, we are wrong.

While death is, indeed, the ultimate penalty for our sin, Jesus proved while He was here on earth that He has the power over death. He not only raised other people from the dead, but He resurrected Himself. “I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus said. “Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25). Because of Christ, we do not need to fear death.

Another enemy that causes us to fear is the demonic world. Demons are fallen angels who joined in Satan’s rebellion in heaven. They were cast down to earth, where they roam today, looking for ways to thwart the work of God, even possessing the bodies of people at times, to achieve their purposes. Followers of Christ cannot be possessed as the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, has overcome their power. “The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4).

While God has allowed demons to roam here for a time, they are under His control. Did you notice that they recognized Jesus as the “Son of the Most High God?” They also know that their time of judgment is coming. They told Jesus, “You have no right to torture us before God’s appointed time! Do not send us to the Bottomless Pit” (Luke 8:28, 31; Matthew 8:29).

Daily Reflection

Evaluate your faith in light of the woman who touched Jesus’ robe. Does your life demonstrate this level of belief in the power of God? Explain.

Summarize your view of demons and death. Does the reality of both cause you to fear or despair? Or has your faith in God’s power helped you to overcome your apprehension?

Consider this — the Most High God lives inside of you and empowers you, with His Spirit, to overcome temptation, sin, demonic activity, and, yes, even spiritual death. If God is for you, then who can be against you?

BiAY.org |Day 280 — 85 Days to Go