John tried to stop a man from driving out demons (Mk 9:38). Jesus told John to stop preventing others from driving out demons even if John had to cut off his hand, amputate his leg, or gouge out his eye (see Mk 9:39, 43-47). John tried to stop the man from expelling demons possibly because he was jealous of a man more powerful than he was. Although we are often jealous, this is usually not the reason we try to stop people from expelling demons today. We do this through secularism, sin, and selfishness.
Secularism operates as if this world is all we need to think of. It denies any practical significance to heaven, eternity, God, or Satan. Expelling demons does not fit in with the secular mentality. So secularists scoff at the mention of driving out demons. If we are refusing to repent of sin, the devil will use that sin to manipulate us into opposing those who oppose him. Finally, if we are self-centered and not Christ-centered, we have no power over the devil, for any authority over him is in Jesus' name, not our name. Therefore, selfish people will avoid dealing with the devil, and selfishly insist on others doing the same.
Are you trying to stop those opposing the devil? Stop yourself instead.
| PRAYER: | Father, the gates of hell cannot prevail against me (Mt 16:18). May I attack them in the name of Jesus. |
| PROMISE: | "Would that the Lord might bestow His Spirit on them all!" –Nm 11:29 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, risen Lord! Your law is perfect, refreshing my soul (Ps 19:8). All glory be to You! Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College