Today’s Reading: Matthew 12:43-45

Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ And when it arrives, it finds [the house] vacant, swept, and put in order.

Matthew 12:44

Reflection: God’s reign within us keeps us in His safety. After healing a demon-possessed man in the presence of both the multitudes and the Pharisees, Jesus warns that those who are spiritually empty are also spiritually vulnerable to danger. Before experiencing the presence of Jesus, the possessed man is left helpless against the demons that roam the earth. But in Jesus’ presence, the man is saved from enduring a life of misery.

By healing the demon-possessed man, Jesus reveals His power against evil and His authority as God. He also shows us how surrendering to His power results in freedom and true healing. Countless manifestations of evil in the world today are evidence of spiritual warfare going on all around us. God upholds good and satan wields evil. What we may not realize is that this warfare continues on not for the cause of conquering regions of the world, but for the cause of claiming human hearts.

Who are we being conquered by: God or satan? Neutral territory never remains neutral for long. Today, Jesus brings attention to the helplessness that we experience without Him, and the misery that we experience without His presence. He also proves that He has power and authority which is greater than evil, and can lay claim over us if we are willing. It is not enough to be emptied of evil. Our hearts must be filled with Jesus.

Prayer: Almighty God, Your power and authority is unmatched. Thank You for abiding within me. Thank You for the assurance of safety and peace with You. I pray that You would remain with me, Lord, that I would experience true freedom and fullness of life with You into eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Matthew 12:22-50; Leviticus 15-16; Proverbs 27