Saturday 26 May 2012
- Bible Book:
- Luke
"But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you." (v. 20)
Background
The Pharisees thought that they could explain away the casting out of demons, by believing that Jesus was empowered by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons (verse 15). Others demanded that Jesus demonstrated he was from God by a sign from heaven (verse 16). Whatever the people's ideas, Jesus knew what they were thinking, so his reply was saying that a kingdom or household divided against itself soon collapses. This is not rational thinking. How could Satan create his own civil war unless he wants to destroy himself?
Jesus' opponents had followers who were casting out demons also. So Jesus asked them: who is behind their power of exorcism (verse 19)?
The casting out of demons was an act of divine power and only made possible by a power stronger than Satan. Jesus was saying that this is a demonstration of God's power at work, and that God's kingdom has come.
There is no neutral stance when you make a choice in this situation. When you refuse to be with God then you're with the opposition.
To Ponder
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (v. 23). How do you respond to this verse?
"For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen." How is God's kingdom, power and glory proclaimed in your life and discipleship?