November 6

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and, come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. - Luke 4:35.

JESUS was unwilling to receive praise from such lips. The praise of some is real censure. And, thus rebuked, the devil came forth, but not without showing his malignity on quitting his subject; for he threw him down before coming out of him: yet he injured him not. Now, this serves to explain Satan’s agency with those who are under the influence of divine grace. He would injure those whom he cannot destroy. But even what he does against them will be overruled for good.

Thus the “thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan sent to buffet” the apostle, hid pride from him. The leech sucks for its own gratification, but the hand of the faculty directs him to the part of contact, and the relief of the patient is the consequence. So will it be with all Christians with regard to Satan’s endeavours to destroy or injure them; but in all these they shall be “more than conquerors,” and in a little time “he will bruise Satan under their feet.”

Then, as to the spectators: they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, “What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.” Oh, if they had but improved as well as admired! if they had but given themselves up to him as their Portion to enjoy and as their Master to serve! But, alas, this was not the case.

Let us beware that our religion consists in nothing less than a real surrender of heart to God, “presenting our bodies and our spirits a. living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service.”