May 8 - Unclean Spirit

Matthew 12:43-45

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

This is one of those truisms that crosses into all areas of our lives.  If we eliminate a bad habit and don’t replace it with something that is healthy and good, that bad habit returns and seems to bring a million more with it.

Jesus told his listeners that, in this case, the demon left, the person got their act all cleaned up, but really didn't behave any differently, so it was with great ease and pleasure the demon returned and brought friends.

The people that Jesus was speaking to had experienced great miracles, including demon exorcism, but nothing had changed in their lives.  They observed it, but didn't participate in the life-changing reality that Jesus offered.  Consequently the judgment they faced would be immense.

Jesus is here today. He is alive, He is performing miracles in people’s lives and ridding them of the things which keep them from living full lives. Don’t ignore Him, don’t let it pass you by.