Luke 4:31-37 | Revelation 2:12-17
Yesterday, we read that pivotal story of Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth. Don’t miss it.
Today, we see a demon upset with the presence of Jesus’ authority.
Often Christians - particularly those of us who are privileged by safety, reputation, or resources - have a covert underlying assumption that if we just move the right pieces of love around, everything will go well.
The gospel stories prove otherwise.
Even if we love perfectly, we won’t get all we want. People could still reject us. In fact, often rejection comes seemingly because perfect love is present. Not all situations can handle it or are ready for it.
Even the Nazarenes rejected Jesus. Evil - personified in today’s passage by the demon - will come against the presence of Christ.
Press on. Victories will come.
Luke 4:31-37
Jesus went down to the city of Capernaum in Galilee and taught the people each Sabbath. They were amazed by his teaching because he delivered his message with authority.
A man in the synagogue had the spirit of an unclean demon. He screamed, “Hey! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.”
“Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!” The demon threw the man down before them, then came out of him without harming him.
They were all shaken and said to each other, “What kind of word is this, that he can command unclean spirits with authority and power, and they leave?” Reports about him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
Revelation 2:12-17
“Write this to the angel of the church in Pergamum:
These are the words of the one who has the sharp, two-edged sword: I know that you are living right where Satan’s throne is. You are holding on to my name, and you didn’t break faith with me even at the time that Antipas, my faithful witness, was killed among you, where Satan lives. But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who follow Balaam’s teaching. Balaam had taught Balak to trip up the Israelites so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. In the same way, you have some who follow the Nicolaitans’ teaching. So change your hearts and lives. If you don’t, I am coming to you soon, and I will make war on them with the sword that comes from my mouth. If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. I will give those who emerge victorious some of the hidden manna to eat. I will also give to each of them a white stone with a new name written on it, which no one knows except the one who receives it.
Prayer
God,
For seeing us, knowing us, and loving us, we give you thanks.
Now keep us within your justice and righteousness,
Receive our praise as we give our offering to you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.