Matthew 12:38-45

Scripture - Matthew 12:38-45

Observation and Application - The Pharisees asked for a miraculous sign. Jesus said "a wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign. But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He also compares Jonah and the whale and the 3 days/3 nights he was there to the "Son of Man" in the heart of the earth for 3 days/3 nights." (So is hell actually in the heart of the earth?) Is it wicked to ask God for a sign? I need to be leary of desiring a miraculous sign from God... Question my motives, I guess.

Another weird part of this passage is that Jesus states that the "Queen of the South" (in caps) will rise at the judgment and condemn that generation. Who is this Queen of the South??? Strange.

Another interesting part of this passage:

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, 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 and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

The above passage reminds me of a friend who told me about a pastor who said if you quit drinking/doing drugs and don't close all the doors and windows to your "house", you are leaving yourself vulnerable. You close all the doors and windows by carefully securing your house (screws, nails, locks). These screws, nails, locks are the tools you consistently use/secure it with (i.e. - the word, prayer, friends, accountability, consistent help, etc.). I like the house analogy. That makes a lot of sense to me. Obviously the Holy Spirit and the Word would be a way to keep the house clean. I know, too, that demons cannot possess those who are Christians, but the above could even relate to strongholds in our lives. If we don't replace the old with the NEW, the old will come back and usually with greater force.

"I am a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come." So we are to live like the saved and not like the unsaved. We are to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, and not with wine. The time is short. We are to, as it says in 1 Corinthians 7, live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (Of course, Paul is talking about those who are unmarried here, but the heart of it applies to us all).

Prayer - Lord, these passages are interesting. Jesus obviously has a mind much greater than our own and comprehended/comprehends so much more than we do. His words are always so deep. I pray, though, Lord, that I will be protective of my "house" and use the tools you give me, dependent upon you day to day, to keep evil away. I know that I am as vulnerable as anyone, but I lean upon you, and I pray for undivided devotion. I pray to reject the old and allow my new habits in you to stay rooted in my life... to abide in the vine of your strength and let your power flow in my life. I pray your Spirit would bring about fruit as I am connected to you. I pray that my children would be nourished by your fruit. Lord, I give you this day. I pray I would see all that happens in my life as your divine appointments and that I would be a listener of your Holy Spirit. Let my mind and heart today stay calm and focused in you. Help me to do the tasks you have for me today with a right heart. Let me be a servant to others who need it. Amen.