“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. 23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 “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.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes 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.” 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11.21-28
This passage in Luke continues with a discussion about spiritual warfare and the evil enemy that seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.
Jesus has been casting out demons from people and now explains what can happen when a demon leaves a person. If the body is not filled with the Spirit of God—along with holiness and purity—then the spirit returns with many others and retakes the person. The second condition is worse than the first. A life set free from sin and Satan must be filled completely with the Spirit of God. There is no going back.
At this point in the teaching, Jesus’ mother is praised: “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” Jesus replies, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” It’s not that Mary was unworthy of honor, but rather that anyone who serves and loves God should be honored, for they have overcome evil with good.
The common thread for me in all of this is seeking God above all others. Seek God over material possessions, lust, and greed. Seek God over objects of desire and fame. Seek God over your own inability to overcome sin—lean upon Him, and He will make your crooked path straight.
We are pressed and attacked, persecuted and sometimes feel abandoned, but the Lord’s powerful Holy Spirit lives in and around you. He is the strength to overcome and the name above every name to call upon. He is good and He is faithful. Draw near to the Lord, and He will draw near to you.
“O Lord, you are good and holy. Thank you for allowing me to walk in the way that leads to life eternal. Bless me, Lord. Fill me up to overflowing. Guard my heart, mind, and eyes in Christ Jesus. Strengthen me each day that I might know the truth of your love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.