Scripture:
Matthew 12:43-45 ESV
[43] “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest but finds none. [44] 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. [45] 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.”
Observation:
I use this scripture often when teaching if that’s what you call what I do. I believe it’s something that should be paid attention to. It’s really kind of a warning from Jesus HIMSELF. Now, the just of it is that evil spirits can be cast out. But what happens after that matters. Jesus is teaching us that you have to replace the bad behavior with positive forward motion. He does this by telling us about casting out evil spirits. You see, you might just think they go away… but what really happens is they look for another place, and when they find nowhere to go, they return. After the individual has taken the time to put their life back together from the havoc, they caused the first time. The evil spirit will see that everything is neat and tidy put back together and in good order. But nothing was put in its place. In other words, there is still a void. That evil spirit will then go and get some friends to come back and occupy that very same person. The condition of the individual is much worse the second time. I know it just looks like all I did was re-explain the scripture. Basically, that’s what an observation is explaining what the bible says in your own words. But there is a purpose.
Application:
let’s take a good look at how this scripture applies. I believe and can confirm through scripture that we are all born with a void. We feel like there is something missing in our lives. Maybe everyone got some kind of instructions to live, and we missed it when they were handed out. Or is there some kind of hole in our heart some kind of emptiness that we are responsible for filling but no one tells us what goes there? So we spend most of our lives looking for what fits. The problem is everything we try to put in that spot just leaves us feeling more empty. Until we end up with something there that is so destructive that it’s clearly not supposed to be there. So we do our best to get rid of it…however we don’t put anything back in that spot, and inevitably, we find ourselves worse than we started. You might be thinking, where is he going with all this? So let me explain. I found myself addicted to drugs early on in life. My dad gave me my first joint at 7 years old. So by 15, I had already found Chrystal Meth and the start of a treatment center career. Having gone to so many, I can’t count. I always found that I would get a lot of great information about addiction. I could tell you how it works in my life for the most part. But I just couldn’t figure out how to stay sober and clean. You see, they could tell me that I needed to eliminate using drugs, but they could not fill my cup. What was missing in my life was a connection with Jesus. Yes, getting rid of bad behavior is a must… but if you don’t fill that spot, you just leave yourself open for worse things to come. I had to fill the void with Jesus. Knowing about addiction is great, but having a shield of faith and a belt of truth to keep it from taking root back in our lives is the key. I don’t know about you and what brings you to be reading this SOAP. But you were brought to this one for a reason, and maybe it’s because you find yourself in that spot where you’re not sure what to do next, but you know you have to do something. My suggestion is…ask HIM to fill your cup and ask HIM to make it so full nothing else will fit. Listen, I don’t know about you, but all I really want is Jesus. Everything else I have is truly a bonus. I don’t have any room for the trash I used to carry around. Ok, so now it’s time for a little honesty. The reason I chose this scripture is that I have a brother who has chosen to use a dangerous substance again, and my heart is heavy about it. I’m not going to mention who he is, but I have to ask all of you to pray for those people who choose to go back to using drugs. I have done it myself, so I’m not sitting here with any kind of judgment. Only a heart of love for those who don’t find the one thing that can fill them to overflowing. Jesus is the answer to all my problems, and HE is the answer to yours as well. My heart hurts for those still stuck in addiction.
Prayer:
Father, we know you are the chain breaker. We know this because you have broken so many chains in our lives, and we ask that you continue to do so. But right now, we want to lift up those who still struggle with life-controlling issues. Such as addiction and so many other things that can leave us feeling unloved and unwanted. We know that you are the answer, and we know that you have a plan to help us submit and surrender to that plan. I know from experience that we run from your plan through addiction. Stop us from running, Father. I’m the name of Jesus we pray amen