Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Luke 11:20, 23
Jesus said, “By the finger of God I drive out demons, and the Kingdom of God has come upon you. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whosoever does not gather with me scatters.”
Jesus has just dealt with a demon who rendered its resident mute. Silent, no words, unable to testify to the goodness of God, unable to complain about his lot in life, unable either to inspire others or crush them with any words at all.
Doesn’t sound all bad. But Jesus came to restore order in the spiritual world, and he did so today. He was stronger than the evil that seemed so overwhelming to others.
Jesus calls his listeners to a decision. If I am really strong enough to restore order, he says, then it is not a matter of indifference whether or not you follow me.  You must get this straight.  If I am bringing God’s kingdom to earth, bringing the kingdom of heaven TO YOU, then you either walk with me into that kingdom, or you call me the devil and fight against me. You have been touched by the finger of God. But will you call it something else?
Don’t mix God up with Satan. Make up your mind. Jesus is clear as he proclaims, “I am not a lunatic. I am either a liar or I’m lord.” It’s not an option to not decide.
As I learn to discern your call, oh Lord, let me not close my eyes or shut my ears. The pearl of great price costs me everything I have. In the end, as my hands open rather than stay tight and closed on what I want to keep and hold for myself, I learn to love you. What else is there to do?
 http://christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1034
