The Prophetic Word - Day 22: Unclean spirits seek to inhabit vulnerable vessels.

“"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation."”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There was a time when people were very aware of the spiritual dimension to things like mental illness, physical illness, violence, and a whole host of other maladies common to humanity.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Then—as we came into the “modern age”—we began to replace references to spiritual influence with diagnoses or philosophical explanations of the ills of humanity.

Now, we are not here to say that there aren’t other contributing factors to what ails us as human beings. But, what these factors do is make an individual more vulnerable to influence or even possession by demons or unclean spirits.

Let us not imagine that the Lord was simply “speaking in terms the people could understand,” when He spoke of demons. Indeed, He not only spoke of demons, but also went about casting them out! As well, He commissioned His disciples, giving them power over demons.

“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A very interesting exchange happened between Jesus and a horde of demonic spirits calling themselves “Legion.”

A demon possessed man had been inhabiting the tombs for some time. Attempts to restrain him were always futile. He ran around uncontrolled, howling and often cutting himself.

“When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These evil spirits recognized Who Jesus was and began to bargain with Him that they not be sent back to the “dry places” from which they came. So, Jesus granted their request and sent them into a herd of swine, which immediately ran into a lake where they all drowned.

So, what happened here? Why were these demons desperate not to be evicted from their human vessel?

You see, unclean spirits desire to manifest themselves and can only do so through a “vehicle.” Their preferred vehicle, of course, is a human being. But, they will do anything possible not to be in the place of impotence and no rest.

In our opening scripture we see a parable the Lord spoke directly aimed at the religious leaders who did not accept Him as being Who He said He was. Make no mistake, this story He told is not some sort of symbolic representation of bad things happening to people who reject Christ. It is a truthful warning about what actually happens when a vessel is vulnerable to evil as a result of not being totally yielded to the Lord.

Now, we always run up against the argument that a Christian is not subject to demonic activity in anyway. I can only say that the Bible tells a different story. Whether that involvement is an actual possession (takeover), or differing degrees of influence, will vary in terms of the person’s compromised state.

Of course, those who have not accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and who do not have the Holy Spirit of God, are always open to evil influence or possession.

However, it is unmistakable that if the Christian does not follow up their acceptance of Jesus with obedience to His word and to the leading of the Holy Spirit, their soul will remain vulnerable to some sort of demonic impact.

Now, in light of what we have just shared here, go back and review Days 17-21 of “The Prophetic Word” with a renewed understanding of why the ongoing spiritual upkeep of your vehicle is crucial.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#ThePropheticWord