The Friday after Reminiscere Sunday
Posted on March 21, 2025 by under
Scripture: St. Luke 10:17-20 (NKJV)
10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Devotion
The Bible consistently teaches that salvation by grace through faith in Christ is our greatest treasure—it is the entire purpose of the Christian religion. Those who become Christians for any other hope are deceiving themselves. Christianity is not about becoming rich, healthy, intelligent, or even about having power over demons; it is about having your name written in heaven. For this reason, there have always been Christians in every walk of life—both rich and poor, strong and feeble, influential and common. The externals do not matter for salvation, but what all God’s people have in common is that salvation by His grace, through faith in Christ.
As Christians, we should not assume we can command demons. This authority has not been promised to all believers, although Christ did give that authority to various persons at various times, according to His own wisdom. Not all are given this authority, and it is extremely dangerous to seek out demons. Rather, Christians should avoid demons and demonic influences of all kinds, unless perhaps their lawful vocation demands it. Nevertheless, the promise of salvation is for all who believe: “rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” This promise no demon can take away, for Christ and His Word are greater than the devil.
Collect: O God, Who seest that of ourselves we have no strength: Keep us both outwardly and inwardly; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
