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The Finger of God



Gospel
Luke 11:15-26
The finger of God has overtaken you

When Jesus had cast out a devil, some of the people said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.’ Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven; but, knowing what they were thinking, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses. So too with Satan: if he is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? – since you assert that it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils. Now if it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils, through whom do your own experts cast them out? Let them be your judges then. But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you. So long as a strong man fully armed guards his own palace, his goods are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, the stronger man takes away all the weapons he relied on and shares out his spoil.
    ‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.
    ‘When an unclean spirit goes out of a man it wanders through waterless country looking for a place to rest, and not finding one it says, “I will go back to the home I came from.” But on arrival, finding it swept and tidied, it then goes off and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and set up house there, so that the man ends up by being worse than he was before.’

This passage from Luke shows Jesus responding to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, pointing out the illogic of Satan working against himself. Jesus teaches that His power comes from God's finger, signaling that God's kingdom is breaking into the world decisively. He warns that rejecting this power leaves one vulnerable to greater evil, emphasizing the importance of choosing sides clearly: either with Him or against Him.

Reflection question:
Am I open to allowing God’s power to overcome the strongholds in my life, or do I resist it out of fear or misunderstanding?

Short prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to recognize Your hand at work in my life. Strengthen me to stand with You and to welcome Your Spirit’s cleansing and renewal, so that I may never fall into division or despair. Amen.




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