Blessed by the Word of God

Blessed by the Word of God

Scripture Lessons

Exodus 8:16-24

Psalm 136:1-16

Ephesians 5:1-9

Luke 11:14-28

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am going to guess this morning that when you listened to the gospel lesson, you were left with some questions, not fully understanding the text. For example, “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

What are “waterless places” and what does it mean that the house is “swept and put in order.” Does this mean that the one who was demon possessed, and then cured of the demon, is now in even more danger of becoming possessed by, not one, but seven demons? If you are asking yourself these questions, then you are not alone in asking and I can provide clarity.

Jesus cast out a demon that made a man mute. Afterwards the man was able to speak and the people, naturally marveled at this exorcism. However, there were some who said that Jesus exorcised the demon by the power of Beelzebul. This word refers to Satan. He performed a miracle, they couldn’t deny it, but neither would they credit God for this miracle. That would mean legitimizing the ministry of Jesus and they were not prepared to do that.

Jesus pointed out that Satan would not cast out demons because that would be a kingdom divided and would lead to ruin. Furthermore, there were others who exorcised demons, and the religious leaders didn’t attribute their exorcisms to Satan. “If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.” In other words, those who accused Jesus of operating under the power of Satan would be judged by others who likewise cast out demons and knew that it was not by the power of Satan that they did so.

But Jesus went on, “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus presented them with two choices, and likewise He presents you with the same two choices. Either Jesus cast out demons by the “finger of God,” or by the power of the devil. Those are your choices. There are no others. Either He is the “strong man,” that is the prophet like Moses but greater (Deuteronomy 18:15), or He is a liar like Satan himself.

So far, so good. The first part of this lesson is easier to understand. But then comes the part that leads to that question I posed earlier: Does this mean that the one who was demon possessed, and then cured of the demon, is now in even more danger of becoming possessed by, not one, but seven demons? The answer may be unsettling, but it is “yes.” Peter also makes this point in 2 Peter 2:20, “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” It’s not sufficient to simply sweep the house clean of demonic influence and then leave that place clear of anything. Martin Luther described the human heart as an “idol factory.” Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Matthew 15:19. It’s not good enough to simply exorcise the demon, something else must fill that place in Man’s soul. Something else must be at work within the heart of Man to resist the temptations of the devil and to strive toward what is good and God-pleasing, that is to say, faith and trust in God your savior (that is what is God-pleasing).

The final two verses of our gospel lesson provide the key. “²⁷ As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!’ ²⁸ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’” Jesus did not disagree that Mary, His beloved mother, was not blessed. Rather, her blessing was not only that she bore Him, but that she heard the word of God and believed it. Recall from Luke 1 how Mary responded to the angel Gabriel, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Likewise, you, dear brothers and sisters, are blessed because you hear the word of God and receive it with faith. His Word is powerful and creates faith in you. As I mentioned earlier in Lent, we aren’t playing at something here. The Divine Service is not a feel-good exercise, although the complete forgiveness of sins does give you a peace that surpasses all understanding (which definitely gives you a good feeling). God’s gifts of Word + Sacrament are given to you so that your spiritual house will be filled! Filled with God the Holy Spirit, who has taken up residence within you…where He brings the Word of God to life in you…where He binds your conscience through the word to what is good and God-pleasing.

Jesus said to make up your mind and don’t sit on the fence. Either you’re with Jesus or you’re against Him. There is no middle ground. There is no in-between. Hear and receive the gifts of God. And don’t fear Satan. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. But don’t fear him. Instead, gather and receive the gifts of God. Fill your spiritual house with His gifts. Hear His word and know that He works faith in you through that hearing. Receive His word in your mouth as you receive the Sacrament of the Altar. For it is not mere bread and wine, but bread and wine with the Word of God which makes the Sacrament. He wants you to be armed for battle and does so with His gift of forgiveness. “Given and shed for you, for the forgiveness of your sins.” Receive the gifts of God and you will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Amen.