Luke 11:14-32
Thursday, 18 January 2024
“The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.”-Luke 11:23[NASB]
The key verse is part of Jesus’ remarks to the those who were opposing Him and His work and this particularly after he had delivered a demon possessed man. Jesus’ ministry on the earth was not without hostility. Though He spoke and worked in accordance with God’s will by preaching the Word, healing the sick, casting out demons and doing many other miraculous signs, there were still some who didn’t believe in Him, acknowledge Him or submit to His authority.
Here we have Jesus’ deliverance of a mute man, possessed by a demon- while many marveled, others said he cast out the demon by the ruler of demons!! The Pharisees were steeped in unbelief. Jesus knew the thoughts and intents of their hearts and came hard on them with an answer- “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.” (v.19).
Today’s reading draws our attention to the power and authority the Lord Jesus has over the powers of darkness, the finger of God working through Him to establish His Kingdom (v.20). In making the bold declaration that “The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.” (v.23), Jesus was making a clear demarcation between those who believed in Him and those who didn’t. They who believe in Him and accept Him, experience Him in their lives.
The passage also gives us a few other insights:
Jesus was full of compassion for those who suffered – He always wanted to reach out to them. He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 35:3-6 through His ministry. The Kingdom of God advanced through His mighty acts!
A house divided in itself cannot stand (v.17). This principle Jesus taught applies in any organization- whether it be home, church, nation. United we stand; divided we fall!
The stronger man Jesus mentions in v.21 is Himself- He has overcome the enemy by defeating him on the cross, disarming the powers and authorities (Col.2:14,15) and released the captives!
There is no neutral ground for us to stand (v.23)- either we are on God’s side or Satan’s side. We cannot sail through life having our feet planted on two boats. It is for each of us to decide whether we build, God’s Kingdom or Satan’s.
Once we are set free from the clutches of the enemy and transferred into the Kingdom of God, we’d better take time to build our lives by the Word of God, prayer and fellowship otherwise which, backsliding can set in and our conditions can become worse than before. (vs.24-26)
It is blessed to hear the Word and receive it but more blessed will we be, when we absorb it and observe it! (v.28)
Colossians 2:13[AMP] says “And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,...” Today God’s finger points to the cross saying ‘My Kingdom is established through its work.’ He offers to you a life together with Christ with your sins forgiven- are you willing to take that offer? Your decision will decide your destiny!
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, LORD, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days...
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.~ Hymn