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:
Jesus is giving us instructions that are very important to pay attention to. They have to do with filling the empty space in our lives. Many times, men and women were brought to HIM, who had been overcome by an unclean. One of them, if I remember right, would cause the young man it had control over to have convolutions and even throw him into the fire. When he was brought to Jesus, the spirit was cast out, and the young man began to live a normal life. The issue that Jesus brings up is a valuable lesson. What if that young man did not make any real effort to fill that spot that the unclean spirit occupied? How long would he be able to live a normal life? Not to mention if the spirit came back what would happen? Well, we saw that in the scripture above… the condition of that young man would be 7 times worse. Therefore, it is 7 times harder to do something about.
Application:
I have been delivered from drug addiction and many other unclean spirits. In fact, it has happened a few times. This is not the first time I have experienced a lifestyle that includes not doing drugs. The problem the last few times is that I did not fill that spot with anything. Several years ago, I started reading the bible, and something absolutely amazing happened. My life started to change seemingly without explanation. The desire to use drugs and live a life of sin started to slowly go away. I was being transformed. The unclean spirit of addiction had been cast out, and the Holy Spirit had taken up residents in its place. My point is this: If you want to live a changed life, you have to fill the void in your heart with Jesus. It’s not something that is going to happen by accident. You have to be intentional about it filling your cup daily. Not leaving any room for anything that is not of GOD. Whatever space is unoccupied will not remain that way, and if you are not intentional about your pursuit of Jesus, the enemy will find the chink in your armor, and when he does the firey dart will find its spot. We are all born with a hole in our hearts, and we spend most of our lives trying to find the thing that will fill that void. Running after money, fame, success, relationships, and even drug addiction. Trying to fill a spot that is only shaped like Jesus. Nothing else will ever complete you. Nothing else can fill that void. That’s not to say that other things will not try. But ultimately, you will still be left feeling empty. So here is my suggestion. Take the time to make sure you fill your day with like the things of GOD. Ask HIM to fill you with HIS Holy Spirit. That is the one thing that will lead you into all truth, and whatever you do, do not allow there to be a void. GOD is more than enough. HE will run your cup over if you ask HIM to.
Prayer:
Father, as we sit here this morning, we ask you to fill our cup to overflowing. we want no room for anything to sidetrack us or blindside us from your path. We ask that you would fill us with your Holy Spirit. We want more of you, GOD it’s never enough. Fill us to overflowing. So that all those around us will see your presence in our lives. We want nothing unclean to feel like it can take up residents. Fill every nook and crack every little corner, pushing out all that is not of you. Our love for you is real, and though we may stumble, you will catch us when we fall. Replace all that was unclean with your Holy Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.