Today’s scripture: Matthew 9:32-34 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
The day starts out as any other — calm, peaceful, and focused on the day’s tasks. I’m engaged in thoughtful conversation with my spouse; we are treading together along common ground.
And then it happens. Out of nowhere, the monster surges out of my body. My face turns red and my muscles tense. I argue and holler, point my finger and place blame, throw and kick inanimate objects, and stubbornly assert my skewed perspective. I feel rebellious and destructive. The monster roars and I’m willing to embrace it by withdrawing from family and friends and engaging in risky or alternative behavior.
Who is this ranting and raving lunatic?! I don’t even recognize myself. For all I know, my head has just spun around and I spewed green goo all over my partner. Evidently, something happened within the conversation that triggered some deep-rooted issues, causing my monster to awaken.
During biblical times, many people assumed that those who had been afflicted with sickness, disease, or disability had sinned or were possessed by a demon. Numerous demons were named for their roles in afflicting different ailments, including Shalbriri, the demon of blindness. With the stories of the blind men and mute man coupled together in scripture, it’s possible that people believed all three of these men were demon-possessed.
These men represented the untouchables. They were unclean by society’s standards and unworthy of receiving the common rights afforded to other Jews.
Yet Jesus healed them where they were, as they were. He didn’t ask if they had sinned or make them promise to live by a list of rules and guidelines. He didn’t approach them with fear or feel embarrassed for them. He simply acted in unbounded love, healed them, and demonstrated his ultimate destiny of triumph over sin, death, and demons. These men were resurrected!
I’m sure you, too, have fought with your own monsters at one time or another. There is something inside each one of us at risk of boiling over, in danger of manifesting itself in a raw and exposed demon-like form. They may have ancient names like Cresil, the demon of laziness; Jezebeth, the demon of lies; Sonneillon, demon of hatred; Verin, demon of impatience, or even Vetis, demon of corruption. Maybe your monster has a common name like Addiction, Guilt, Loneliness, Depression, Shame, Co-dependency, Self-loathing, Prejudice, or Resentment.
Jesus can cast out every one of those demons and offer healing. You don’t have to be afraid or ashamed of your demons any longer. Believe in the power of healing and Christ’s desire to resurrect your soul!
Thought for the day: What demon has a hold on my soul today? Pray for the healing of your monster and trust in the resurrection power that is yours to claim!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.