Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
‘When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting-place, but not finding any, it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.’ Luke 11:14-26
We live in a divided country, founded as a democracy, in which some would wish to have unlimited power and be made king. Every night we are pummeled with ads about who is the most righteous candidate. The day after the election, in early November, there will be winners and losers with some crying foul. We will still be divided, and I consider the work of all leaders to be simply to bring people together and care for them well. We haven't seen many servant leaders of late and too many claim biblical authority when they simply have no idea what they are talking about. Some claimed that Jesus, the incarnate, living God, was working for the devil. How wrong they were but what he said and did made them fear losing their power. May we put mercy and compassion always before power.
Wondrous Creator, you made all the seasons of life
for growth and building, for caring and growing
and for resting in the love and care surrounding us.
Yet we attack one another and tear nations apart
we deem countries we don't understand as dirty
while we ache for power and absolute control.
Help us to cleanse our hearts and minds so love can dwell
let us live for mercy, justice and healing for all the nations
so that we might build each other up in love now and always. Amen.
