In Jesus’ life, he encountered demons, numerous times. They recognized who He was; although they seemed confused about his mission. Jesus controlled them by his word banishing them from the humans they were possessing, controlling, or influencing. Jesus gave his disciples the power to do the same. “Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” Matthew 10:1.
We don’t hear much about demons these days except from Hollywood. Of course, we also don’t hear much about hell. Have we become too sophisticated to believe in demons? Is this a “better” world in which demons have no influence? Looking around, I doubt that.
Back in 1977, Christian artist, Keith Green figured this all out in his song, No One Believes in Me Anymore (Satan’s Boast)
Oh, my job keeps getting easier
As time keeps slipping away
I can imitate your brightest light
And make your night look just like day
I put some truth in every lie
To tickle itching ears
You know I’m drawing people just like flies
‘Cause they like what they hear
I’m gaining power by the hour
They’re falling by the score
You know, it’s getting very simple now
‘Cause no one believes in me anymore
Oh, heaven’s just a state of mind
My books read on your shelf
And have you heard that God is dead?
I made that one up myself
They dabble in magic spells
They get their fortunes read
You know they heard the truth
But turned away and followed me instead
I used to have to sneak around
But now they just open their doors
You know, no one is watching for my tricks
Because no one believes in me anymore
Everyone likes a winner
With my help, you’re guaranteed to win
And hey, man, you ain’t no sinner
You’ve got the truth within
And as your life slips by
You believe the lie that you did it on your own
But don’t worry
I’ll be there to help you share our dark eternal home
Oh, my job keeps getting easier
As day slips into day
The magazines, the newspapers
Print every word I say
This world is just my spinning top
It’s all like child’s-play
You know, I dream that it will never stop
But I know it’s not that way
Still my work goes on and on
Always stronger than before
I’m gonna make it dark before the dawn
Since no one believes in me anymore
Well, now I used to have to sneak around
But now they just open their doors
You know, no one watches for my tricks
Since no one believes in me anymore
Well I’m gaining power by the hour
They’re falling by the score
You know, it’s getting very easy now
Since no one believes in me anymore
No one believes in me anymore
No one believes in me anymore
In a world in which true followers of Jesus have the power to cast him out, Satan and his demons have gone underground. His strategy has worked pretty well. We have forgotten the warning “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
By making it seem our enemies are “flesh-and-blood” the spiritual enemy has promoted a world in which divisions are deeper and more violent than ever. Demons haven’t gone anywhere. They have found more power and influence in quiet hidden movements in which blame falls on humans who are unknowingly influenced, controlled, or possessed. Even those empowered to cast out, are powerless against what they can’t recognize.
We need more discernment and less reliance on our perceived sophistication. Demons haven’t gone; they’ve just hidden.
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