Discipleship & Deliverance - Mark 3
As I read today's chapter, I'm once again amazed at how our reading through the Bible is so timely with specific messages. I've been reading another book called "The Covering" by Hank Hannagraff. It talks about how many Christians live in a world where everything is caused by demonic activity and deliverance is the answer. If they have a headache, it's a demon. If they are tempted by something, it's a demon. If they have illness, it's a demon. If they have any little thing that is not good and pleasant, it's a demon.
In this chapter, Jesus addresses this issue. The "teachers" are following Jesus, trying to catch Him in some controversy or mis-step. After one demon-casting, they approached:
22 But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, "He's possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons." 23 Jesus called them over and said to them by way of illustration, "How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 A kingdom at war with itself will collapse. 25 A home divided against itself is doomed. 26 And if Satan is fighting against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive."
There is a time for deliverance and casting out of demons. However, I believe we need to be careful to not attribute to satan more credit than he is due. Perhaps the better answer than constantly seeking deliverance is to make sure we are seeking to be discipled, and seeking to disciple others.
That's what's so cül about what we're doing with dBrag. Reading and discussing God's Word daily is an excellent deterant from the evil one. Another, as I was reminded in my accountability meeting this morning, is to have praise music playing in your home 24/7 (even when you're not there). Think of it as a kind of demon-repellant!
peace,
e
