The Kingdom of God in you

Luke 11:14-32 

Monday, 20 January 2025

“But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”-Luke 11:20

Jesus’ ministry on the earth was not without hostility and opposition. Though He spoke and worked in accordance with God’s will by preaching the Word, healing the sick, casting out demons and performing many other miraculous signs, there were still some skeptics. 

Here is Jesus’ deliverance of a mute man, possessed by a demon. While many marveled at the miracle, others said he cast out the demon by the ruler of demons!! The religious sect of Pharisees were steeped in unbelief. Jesus knew the thoughts and intents of their hearts and gave them a befitting reply- “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.” (v.19).

In the reading, we are drawn 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). Jesus’s words and works carried more than enough evidence of God’s purpose of having sent Him. Jesus mentions Solomon and Jonah in his discourse (Vs.29-32) and says One greater than either of them was in their midst. Jonah’s preaching and testimony caused the Ninevites to turn to God and people from distant lands came to listen to the wisdom of Solomon. Yet here Jesus’ wise words, or deeds that accompanied His preaching were unheeded. 

We live in a generation where godlessness is on the rise- the gospel message and the signs that accompany it are spurned by many. Even shocking events in the world or around them by which God tries to call their attention to Him are unheeded. If only people would repent and turn to God, their Creator and come to Him by His prescribed way through Christ! They who believe in Him and accept Him, will experience Him in their lives.

The passage also gives us a few other insights:

• A house divided in itself cannot stand (v.17). This principle Jesus taught applies in all areas of life- 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. One can’t sail through life with one’s 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 better take time to build our lives by the Word of God, prayer and fellowship; otherwise 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, when we absorb it and observe it! (V.28)

  
  

Friend, Jesus wants to establish His Kingdom in your life. Colossians 2:13[NLV] says “When you were dead in your sins, you were not set free from the sinful things of the world. But God forgave your sins and gave you new life through Christ.” God’s finger points to the cross where Christ died to establish His Kingdom on earth. Look how 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!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven. (Mathew 6:9-10)