November 8 Worship

Luke 8:28-29 When the demon-possessed man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
 
THE demons within this persecuted man were sure who stood before him. It is interesting to note that Jesus’ disciples had just asked amid the storm, “Who is this?” They did not fully understand Jesus as LORD, ruler over all. But the demons did. They knew. In fear, they asked for his favor, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!”
   The demons know their fate is in the hands of the God, who rules Heaven and earth. These former angels who followed Satan out of Heaven have seen God create, judge and save. At this moment fear of the Holy God’s judgment gripped the demons.
   Although this fear will not change these spiritual beings, the Bible tells us this is a good form of fear in our own hearts. Be mindful of such verses as Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Then listen closely to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:31-33 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” 
   Yes, all knees will bow before Jesus when he returns to judge the world. Humanity will go on their collective faces before God. But there will be a difference between those who know Jesus as the Son of the Most High and those who do not. Those who realize Jesus’ true identity for the first time that day will bow in right fear of eternal torture. They will know, as the demons did that day, that their doom is sure.
   In joyful contrast, those who fear God before that day and confess Jesus as the Son of the Most High God before that day will be on their faces in worship and joy.
   Do you fear God’s justice against your sins? All who truly know God’s authority will have such a fear. If you do not, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Gospel’s saving message to you.
   Realize God’s grace to save. Worship each day with such honoring words as, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise? 3 Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. (Psalms 106:1-3)
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you govern all things to your purpose. I pray for a true understanding that you, God, and no one else, is the true authority of my life. In Jesus’ name I rejoice. Amen.