“Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order” (Matthew 12:44).
Jesus shared the parable of the return of the unclean spirit. He shared that when an unclean spirit is driven out of a person, it passes through waterless places trying to find rest, but does not find it. The unclean spirit decided to return to the place where it came from. When it returned, it found the house empty, swept and put in order. “Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation” (Matthew 12:45).
Jesus addressed this parable to a crowd of Jews, which included the Pharisees who accused him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons. He responded to them saying, that any kingdom that is divided against itself cannot stand. “And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand” (Matthew 12:26)? Jesus seemed to share the parable regarding the return of the unclean spirits, in response to the reception from the crowd. He was despondent that in his own city of Jerusalem, so many signs and wonders had been performed, yet the people did not believe and receive him.
The consideration would have been for the state of that city, which had rejected the message of salvation. Earlier in Matthew 11, Jesus denounced cities where the most mighty works had been done who did not repent. The lack of repentance and acceptance of the Holy Spirit, would leave those cities empty and allow for evil spirits to return. This would cause those cities to be worst off than before, when the evil spirit returned with seven other spirits more evil than itself.
We have to maintain a relationship with God and remain full of the Holy Spirit. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God abides in us. Our lives within the cities and communities where we live, should create a free flow of the presence of God. We pray for our cities and places of employment in order that the kingdom of God can be established. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages. View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published November 23, 2023November 23, 2023
Post navigation
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about Leave No Place Empty.
