FRIDAY 3.17.23: The Changes that Let in the Light – Luke 11:14-36
The self-righteous religious leaders claimed Jesus freed people from the effects of evil only because he was in league with the ruler of demons! Jesus’ forceful response pointed out the illogical nature of that argument. “Attributing the Holy Spirit’s work to an impure spirit is roughly tantamount to calling God Satan.” 1 Equating his message with evil was like calling sunlight “darkness.”
Reflection
• Sometimes our efforts to “clean up our life” by sheer human determination and willpower don’t work. Jesus said this in verses 24-26. It does little good to just to clear out the bad, with nothing in its place. What are some positive ways you have learned to allow God to fill your soul with divine purpose and love?
• Verses 34-35 urged hearers to examine the health of our eyes (not mainly physical, but spiritual). Jesus’ enemies blinded themselves spiritually by refusing to consider any evidence that didn’t fit what they wanted to be true. In what ways has God brought new light to your mind, your ways of thinking, over the last year?
Prayer: Lord God, open my inner eyes. Let me soak in the light of your love and grace, so that it may beam out of me to lighten the lives of all who encounter me. Amen.
1HarperCollins Christian Publishing. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, eBook: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Kindle Locations 226134-226135). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.