Luke 9:42-43

Almost to mock Jesus, the demon throws the boy to the ground on his way to the Healing Hand. This poor soul had been spiraling into ruination when Christ spoke and he was restored to wholeness. Demons must flee at His command. The word rendered “evil” in the above verse is from the Greek word “Akathartos” meaning “unclean, filthy, impure, dirty; unclean in nature and disposition; evil, foul, obscene, lewd; it describes that which has not been cleansed by God, that which is marked by sinfulness” (The New Testament Lexical Aids – The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible). Instead of just glossing over it in our reading, delving into the definition of “evil” gives us an even broader perspective of the vileness of it. Kind of makes the word “evil” come to life doesn’t it? This boy was indwelled with a bad actor. I love how Matthew Henry puts it: “What harm does Satan do when he gets possession! But happy they who have access to Christ!” Jesus gives an abrupt, curt and biting charge pointedly expressing His disapproval and taking to task the demonic culprit. Again, Henry states: “One word from Christ healed the child, and made good the damage the demon had done him.” Immediately, the boy was healed and returned back to his father - amazing the crowds with the greatness of God. Ever been amazed when the hand of God moves? Jesus had a way of constantly amazing both the crowds and His disciples. When God takes on flesh and walks among His creation, man stands amazed. Paul tells us in Colossians: 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Col 2:9-10 (NIV)
Fully God and fully man with the agenda of bringing fullness back to His creation. God with us! What a wonderful reminder to us as we celebrate His birth! He came to “make good the damage the demons had done” for us all! He brings fullness back into our lives, where we are no longer empty and subject to the filling of evil. I am reminded of a passage in Matthew where the disciples stood amazed at the workings of Christ. They had all piled into a boat and without warning a furious storm came upon them. Jesus was catching some z’s in the stern. The disciples woke Him with pleas to save them from drowning – I can relate here, maybe not literally but certainly figuratively! Here is Jesus’ reply:26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matt 8:26-27 (NIV)
We live in a generation where we constantly depend upon our own strength and abilities – I suppose most generations preceding us have been that way too – until, of course, we reach the end of our powers, hopes and dreams and we are left empty, much like the disciples in their particular situation, calling out for help to save us! I believe that our lives would be much less harried if we began each day by emptying ourselves of ourselves and praying to be filled with all the fullness of God. God desires for His Spirit to fully indwell and equip His saints for every good work. We shrink the Spirit within us when we constantly rely on ourselves. He often has to get us to the point the disciples were in before we will look up and be amazed by the greatness of God. Spurgeon tells us: “It will do us good to be very empty, to be very weak, and so to go about our Master’s work.” David had a wonderful grasp of God’s amazing deeds. The Old Testament has citing after citing of David’s praises to God for the works of His hands. David had a grateful heart – he knew Who took him from shepherd to king and he gave Him all the glory, praise and honor.24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 1 Chron 16:24-25 (NIV)
David wanted God’s glory and power and honor made known among the nations. We would do well to emulate his passion. John Piper states: “God has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the fame of His name among the nations.” Psalm 71:17-19 tells us: I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. 17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. 19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Psalms 71:16-19 (NIV)