January 26th, 2017

Luke 11:14-15 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.”
 
HOW sad it is to see the Lord Jesus Christ accused of being Satan’s (Beelzebub is a name for a pagan god from 2 Kings.) agent. His ministry was marked with physical healing and eternal preaching Luke so aptly wrote here: Luke 9:11 He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. One form of that healing was Jesus’ work to consistently restore demon-possessed people to full health as described here. But too many authorities still denied the Savior’s power and viciously spoke against the One who had come to save them.
    Here is the Lord again proclaiming freedom for the captives. But the captives are refusing his chain-breaking gospel. As Christ opens the door to free them, they stubbornly remain bound in Satan’s pride, arrogance and self-righteousness. Lies imprison their souls. Death veils their eyes.
    Have you ever tried to help someone know Jesus’ freedom, but they accused you of being critical and hateful? As you attempted to love them, they rejected the gospel’s saving words. You were sad, maybe even wept for them as they refused to accept the good news you graciously offered to them. It is so much easier walk away from such people, isn’t it – unless you love them.
    Praise God for Jesus’ love. He did not walk away from the faithless. Instead, he walked into the Father’s will to destroy the evil that seeks to accuse and destroy you. Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
 
Prayer: Father, many worldly “chains” threaten to bind my heart and to reject your love. Release me to receive the freedom you have for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.