Luke 9:37–38: “Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, ‘Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child.'”

February 20th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Notice how quickly a spiritual test came after the great spiritual high that had taken place on the Mount of Transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared, Jesus was revealed in His glory, and the voice of God spoke from a cloud surrounding them. When they came down from the mountain, the father of a demon-possessed son, who was out of control, came imploring Jesus for help because the disciples had been unable to deliver his son. We too should expect an attack of the enemy whenever we have just had a positive spiritual experience. Earlier Jesus had given his disciples authority over demons, so they should have been able to cast the demon out of this boy, but they were not successful. According to Matthew 17, the seizures caused by the demon threw the boy into cooking fires and water in an attempt to destroy him.

It seems the physical manifestations of possession in the child were so frightening that the disciples were overwhelmed. They couldn’t see past it to the power of God to deliver. There is a lesson here for us all. We are often so overawed and intimidated by the works of Satan that we forget the power of God. Matthew 17:21 provides more information as Jesus said that this particular type of demon would only come out through prayer and fasting. It seems that the disciples needed more regularly prayer and fasting in their lives so that when they encountered such activity of hell, they would be prepared for it.

Many kids today don’t think twice about songs lyrics that exalt Satan and his activities. Many rock groups use satanic symbols just to get kids’ attention, appealing to the shock value. And kids want to get attention, one way or another, as they seek to stand out in a crowd. But dark things like pentagrams, devil’s hand signs, Ouija boards, and séances are not simple, harmless games. Parents need to take such things seriously. This father knew his son was in trouble, and he went to the only one who could help. That is still the same today. Jesus is the right and only one to turn to when our kids are out of control. We need to believe He can and wants our children to be free. Follow Him and He will set your kids free just as he did 2000 years ago for this man’s son.

“LORD, give us today the wisdom to see past the acts of Satan in the world around us and the power to lead others to You.”