Empowered

Sometimes we misinterpret what we see and hear.

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed.  But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons." Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house.  If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? -for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.  But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. - Luke 11:14-20

Today's reading gives us some insight into how we judge the world around us.

We see someone to whom the powers of evil submit and we assume he is evil as well, rather than think God has given him strength to overcome evil.

It is only natural.  Who among us would expect to receive such powers from God?  But God gives all of us power over the forces of darkness through the Holy Spirit.  And God is love which overpowers all, so why not feel empowered?

It is only fear that keeps us from casting aside demons, as Jesus told his disciples.  Fear not.

So, what can we do that we are afraid to try?

In Christ all things are possible, so why be afraid to try anything?  If we seek God in all we do, we can tap into His amazing power, and then who knows what wonders we will see?

More to come...