Tuesday September 2, 2025

Luke 4:31-37

In the synagogue there was a man who was possessed by the spirit of an unclean devil, and it shouted at the top of its voice, ‘Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’

Now that is the kind of preaching we want, the kind that drives out demons. On this occasion, Our Lord is in Capernaum and he is preaching with authority in the temple. I have always wondered what that meant. Does preaching with authority mean screaming? Does it mean slamming the pulpit? Maybe yes, maybe no but I think it simply means he was connected to the holy word of God. He probably lit up like someone in love when they talk about their love. He was genuine to the core.

Once I asked in church if anyone was possessed. Only one brave woman raised her hand. I was so grateful that she did because if we do not know our demons then we are lost indeed. Yes we should know the angel within but also in order for us to grow we always ought to be aware of our demons and then starve them. You know, I confess here and now that I have been troubled by the demon of self doubt my whole life. Today in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I cast it out and will venture to do bold things. That feels good already.

What is being cast out of you so you can fully embrace the plan of God for your life?