Permission Needed

 

“Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Legion,’ he replied, because many demons had gone into him.  And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.” [Luke 8:30-33 NIV]

 

We get a clear picture of the hierarchy of God in the Book of Job when Satan came into the throne room of God to seek permission to come against Job. The above account of Christ’s dealing with the demon possessed man brings into focus that which we already know. God, and by association, Jesus, is far superior in every way to Satan. Hence the demons in the man HAD TO BEG Jesus (repeatedly) not to be thrown into the abyss. Now why would anyone beg another for anything unless they were subservient to them in some capacity. Jesus granted the demons PERMISSION to do that which they requested. They entered the swine and they plummeted over a nearby cliff to their death. They sought permission from the Son of God, which essentially was the same as seeking permission from God directly.

This event shines a light on God’s power and authority over all in His creation, even the author of evil. When it comes to God’s children, nothing can happen that isn’t either caused or allowed for His greater purpose. Those type of trials are nothing more than lessons in faith. Do you trust the Lord today to protect you from the evil one? You should because the Lord is our ultimate weapon against evil. The forces of darkness can do nothing to a bonafide believer in Christ unless He allows it. Remember that. The devil is a toothless lion [1 Peter 3:8].

1 John 3:8b says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” The devil’s activities are what he seeks to do to destroy everything associated with Almighty God. That following is a list of his diabolical deeds: sin, rebellion, temptation, ruling the world, persecution & accusation of the saints, instigation of false teachers, and the power of death. These acts cannot infiltrate the life of the believer unless they open the door to it.

In spite of 1 John 3:8b stating destroying the devils works is “the reason” He came, there are other reasons as well, primarily to restore the sinless condition to the heart of man.

Remain focused on the One who saves your soul and not the loud one who seeks to disrupt and bring chaos. He truly has no hold on any of God’s children. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The MacArthur Study Bible; The Life Application Study Bible.