We don’t see much demon possession today. I have read
speculation that the reason for so much demonic activity in Jesus’ day was that
Satan was afraid. He knew Jesus was a threat but he didn’t know exactly what
the plan was so he ramped up his evil plots to combat whatever God had in
store. But just because demon possession is practically unheard of – at least
in the USA – it doesn’t mean demonic activity is on the wane. Satan hasn’t gone
on vacation. If you watch the news, you are aware of demonic activity around
the world.
In this verse, we find that the seventy-two appointed by
Jesus to go ahead of him to his destinations were thrilled to report to
him their new-found power over demons. Jesus gently pointed out to the
seventy-two (verse 20) that their rejoicing should not be because demons
submitted to them but because their “names are written in heaven.” We don’t have
the same miraculous power that Jesus gave to his disciples but as we are
reminded in the spirit-filled words of Peter, “Salvation is found in no one
else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be
saved.” (Acts 4: 12)
We wage personal battles with evil every day. Do you have an
addiction? Are you a worrier? Do you struggle with depression, fear, or illness?
Is your marriage in trouble? Have you wandered from God? We must seek the saving power of the name of Jesus before
we can receive the overcoming power
of his name. Accept his saving power
and, whatever your demon, it will submit to you in Jesus’ name.
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