Revelation of the Word:

THEME: THE APPOINTED TIME

Matthew 8:28-29

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

INSIGHT

-Jesus had authority over the spiritual world and He encountered demon possessed humans during His public ministry. In the region of the Gadarenes, He met two men who were out of control due to evil forces that tormented them and took hold of their lives. We find such instances even around us where some people either singing or talking to themselves; wearing dirty clothes. Some live in the streets, feed from the garbage bins and beg for money or food. Others are controlled by habitual sins or addictions which cause them loss, delay or pain. From Ephesians 6:12, we see that, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The devil has sinned from the beginning, and his mission is to steal, kill and destroy, and derail us from our destinies and the will of God. He has been roaming in the earth like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour, and we are called to be alert and sober minded (1 Peter 5:8). In the book of Job, we see the sovereignty of God over the devil as God gives him permission to tempt Job. In the conclusion we see God proving that faith in Him overcomes all tribulations and suffering. From the main passage, we see that demons were aware that Jesus is the Son of God and they know their appointed time. The irony is that they were afraid of being tortured before the appointed time; but in the meantime they would torture and torment these two poor souls. Revelation 20:10 reveals the appointed time saying, “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Jesus has authority over all demonic forces and has given us the same power and authority, that we may perform greater works and walk in victory. We then have confidence in God as Christians for the Holy Spirit who lives in us is greater than the one who is in the world. We have courage and confidence in Christ who has conquered it all and made us conquerors in Him.

PRAYER

How excellent is Your name Oh God in all the earth, who has set Your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger. How excellent is Your name Oh God in all the earth. You were raised from the dead and are seated at the right hand of the throne of God in glory, hosanna to the Son of David. Deliver all those who are demon possessed Jesus by Your precious blood we humbly ask You. Restore the destinies of all those who are lost in demonic oppression and addictions, those who live in the streets with no hope and save them by Your powerful hand. Have mercy on us all and on the whole world. Forgive us all from unrighteousness and cover us with Your precious blood. It is by grace You have saved us through faith and it is not from ourselves but a gift from You Lord, thank You for Your saving grace upon our lives. You have instructed us Jesus to go into the world and heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything You have commanded. Grant us the wisdom, power, strength and grace to minister Your word and do Your will Jesus. Thank You Jesus for the gift of salvation that You have given unto us through Your death and resurrection, that we may have faith and be victorious over all things, how excellent is Your name Oh God in all the earth. Thank You Jesus for assuring us that You will never leave us nor forsake us and that You are with us always to the very end of the age. Thank You for loving us Jesus. Amen

Blessed Thursday

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Revelation Of The Word