By Madelyn Monsive
Luke 11:14-15
Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.”
I once had a friend who always questioned why I gave something up for the Lord during Lent. I distinctly remember her asking, “Why are you sacrificing something as amazing as chocolate for a God you can’t even see?” It makes me laugh now because we aren’t that different from the crowd Jesus taught.
In today’s Bible passage, Jesus cast out a demon from a mute man. Even after witnessing a demonic spirit leave this man, people denied that Jesus is Lord. They claimed He was using the power of Beelzebul to drive out demons.
It seemed more believable to them that Jesus was using power from the prince of demons rather than having such Divine power Himself!
It is easy to judge their foolishness, when in reality, we doubt God’s power equally as much.
These people are a prime example that we often seek optical proof. Thomas needed to see and touch the scars on Jesus’ hands (John 20:25), the Pharisees demanded a sign (Matthew 12:38), and Gideon needed the dewy fleece to be sure God had truly called him to lead (Judges 6:37). There are endless moments in the Bible where people needed some sort of visual assurance. Yet in all of these examples, faith by sight worked until people ended up doubting God over and over again.
So this Lenten season, I encourage you to reflect on Jesus’ power. How easily do you test God? How quickly do you judge other people’s foolishness? What keeps you from trusting Him fully? During these forty days, may we strive to give up doubt, and maybe a little chocolate, too.
Pray with me…
Dear Lord, forgive us for doubting You even when Your truth and power are right in front of our eyes. Time and time again, we question Your ways and hesitate to trust You fully. May we let go of fear, doubt, and hesitation in You. Strengthen our faith, and open our hearts to Your miracles. Help us rely solely on Your promises, and teach us to follow You courageously. Amen.