Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 Redemption of all creation. Three Day Lent

St. Mathew 12: 38-50
v.44-45. 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.”
 
Putting lights and/or the TV on a timer when going on an extended vacation is a standard practice among many individuals. This is done in an attempt to deter home burglaries. For those of you who have seen Home Alone, picture the scene where Kevin McCallister has figures moving around in the dining room window and the music blasting all so that Marv and Harry (the burglars) would think that the McCallister’s have not gone on vacation. The philosophy is that an intruder is less likely to attempt a break-in if they believe someone is home. What about our spiritual homes? Are they filled with something that will deter the intruder?

In verses 43 to 45 of today’s passage, we see Jesus describe the attitude of the generation and its religious leaders. Jesus was not messianic enough for them. Jesus says that their “final condition [will be] worse than the first.” Simply having a house “swept clean and put in order” will not stop the impure spirit from entering. In fact, Jesus says that upon seeing the unoccupied home, the impure spirit goes and brings seven more impure spirits and wreaks havoc on the place. If we clean up our lives but leave them empty, failing to fill them with Christ’s presence, we leave room for Satan to come in and take up room and board in our lives. Sure, cleaning up our lives, and turning away from a life of sin, should be our first step, but unless we take the next step and allow Christ to enter our lives, immerse ourselves in the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, our cleaning up will be in vain. A “clean” life without Christ will leave us worse off than we started! No amount of Kevin McCallister-level tricks will help keep the impure spirits out if our “house” isn’t filled with God.

As we end our three-day lent today, let us strive to take the next step and immerse ourselves in the Lord. 

 
Prayer
Dear Lord, we invite you into our lives. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to live our lives immersed in your presence. Amen
 
Thought for the day
“Most of all, let the Word of God fill you and renew your mind every day. When our minds are on Christ, Satan has little room to maneuver.” - Billy Graham
 
Riya Varughese
St Andrews MTC, NY
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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