“When an unclean spirit goes out of a person it roams through arid regions searching for rest but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and dwell there; and the last condition of that person is worse than the first.”
Jesus was a healer and an exorcist. The results of Jesus’ exorcisms were not necessarily permanent. If we do not follow Jesus’ teachings when we are given new life in Christ, and fill the empty space left by our exorcised demons with faith, hope and love, trouble can return and cause even more problems for us. Belief in Jesus can break the hold of evil on our lives. Once we have heard and accepted the Word of God let us not turn away from the Gospel and the commandments lest we fall deeper into the grip of evil. We have been freed from the law of sin and death by the Spirit (Rom. 8:2). Let us live in the Spirit so that we may live in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing in good works and growing in the love and knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).
Almighty God, we believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our hope and our salvation. Help us to be more faithful to your Gospel and commandments, and to live more fully the life you have given us. Teach us to be thankful for all your gifts and to use them for your greater glory. This we pray through Jesus Christ your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
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