Non est mecum | Not with me

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" - Luke 11:23 (NIV)

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Jesus cast out a demon from a man who could not speak because of it. When the man spoke, the crowd was amazed. But some people said that Jesus was driving out the demon by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Others even tested Jesus by asking a sign from heaven.

First thing I learn is that humans are weak and sinful. Often when someone does a remarkable action to help others, people are suspicious. Trying to find the weaknesses or the flaws of his action, rather than being grateful and appreciative towards his work. Lord Jesus was experiencing this in this passage.

The second thing, in fighting the kingdom of darkness, there are only two options. Either we follow the light, or the darkness. It is crucial to consider whether we choose to have a fellowship with righteousness or lawlessness. Because light and darkness cannot be mixed (2 Cor 6:14). Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Apart from Him, you will walk in the darkness (John 8:12). Moreover, someone cannot be neutral or abstain concerning Him. Jesus clearly said, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (v.23). We need to make up our minds if we truly follow Him or not. Because neutralism means we support the enemy - the demons, and are against Jesus Christ, even though we may not realize it.

The third thing I learn from the passage is that we cannot fight the evil spirit with our own strength. An impure spirit comes out of a person. Then the person "sweeps his house and puts everything in order". We do good work and arrange our lives accordingly. Sadly, it does not stop the demon from coming back, this time he comes with seven other spirits that are more wicked than the first one! We need Jesus Christ to live in our hearts, in our lives, to protect us from any wicked spirits who want to take over 'our house'.

Dear Lord Jesus, come and stay with us, reign over our lives, be our King of kings so we are guarded from the kingdom of darkness with your loving and powerful protection. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 11:14-26 by Desire Litaay.

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