[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]J[/dropcap2]esus drives out demons. It’s in the Gospels, time and time again.
He gives his disciples “authority to drive out demons” (Matthew 10:1). If you know Jesus, he lives in you and he wants to live his life through you. That means battling, and defeating, evil.
There can be little doubt that evil is real. Turn on the news. Glance at the headlines. It’s not merely that bad stuff happens from time to time. Evil is afoot everywhere, and most of it stays hidden and never sees the light of day. Spiritually we are at war and live in enemy-occupied territory.
Until we accept this, the world will not make sense. We will continue to be shocked by unimaginable cruelties and tragedy, thinking, “How could this happen?” We are reluctant to accept what appear to be rash biblical statements like “the whole world lies under the power of the evil one.” We want to close our eyes and desperately believe things are better than they appear.
You are at war today. There are heroes and villains in this story. You are a part of this Grand Adventure, and what adventure worth having is not fraught with peril and danger? The enemy does not sleep and the warfare is constant and wearing.
Take heart, my friend! You are being trained for the battles you face. You have a unique place in the battle line, and those around you depend on you. We need you. So again today stand firm for what is right, good, and godly. Love justice and practice mercy. Walk humbly with your already victorious Commander. You are not alone. Other warriors walk with you.
Jesus lives in you. He drives out demons. Battling evil is part of your destiny.
