September 2020 - LPNI
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September 2020
LPNI Devotion - September 2020
The Testimony of Demons
Do
you ever doubt that God exists? If we are honest with ourselves, I think
all of us have had that doubt at some low point in our lives. Any time I face tragedy or hardship I’m
tempted to wonder if God is really there for me and my loved ones. But let me
share with you why I am sure that God is
really there! And believe it or not, my
assurance comes from the demons!
In
several places in the Bible we learn that Satan and his demons are former
angels who turned from God and fell from his grace. They lived in heaven and were present at the
time of creation before their fall from God’s favor. So how do they
assure me of God’s existence? According to Mark, one of these demons
tells Jesus, I know who you are … the Holy One of God. (1:24b
NIV). Think of that! Talk about a hostile witness! Unlike you
and me, these demons have visibly seen God in action over the eons of time!
In this verse the demons testify of God’s existence!
If
there is anyone who would actually want God not to exist, it would be Satan and
his demons! It brings them no pleasure
to admit that God exists, and yet they are forced to acknowledge it! So
any time life leaves me wondering, or anyone with whom I am counseling or to
whom I am providing pastoral care wonders if God really does exist, I try to share
the testimony of the demons.
And
by the way, if it frightens you and me to realize there are demons, there are
two reasons this should not frighten us. First of all, on the cross Jesus has
already defeated Satan. John (16:33 NIV)
records Jesus saying, I have told you these things so that in me you may
have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Additionally,
on the cross, after Jesus was given the sour wine he said, It is finished
(John
19:33 NIV). The reign of Satan over us is
finished! Our salvation has been accomplished. Jesus has paid the price for the sins of the
world!
That
brings me to the second reason Satan and his cohorts should not frighten us.
The Bible says (1 John 4:4 NIV), You, dear children, are from God
and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one
who is in the world. The One who
is in you (that is Jesus) is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).
So the next time you doubt if God is here and truly cares about what is
happening with us, remember that even the testimony of the demons assures us
that God is omniscient and omnipresent!
Rev.
Mike Winkelman
St.
Peter Lutheran Church
Morrison,
IL USA