The Propaganda Devil

Monday   9-21-15  (Home in Modesto, California)

Scripture reading:   Dan 7-8    Ps 137    Luke 4

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Luke 4:28-30 When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and took him to the edge of the hill on which the city was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he slipped away through the crowd and left them.  NLT

O.  Jesus had recently begun his public ministry and already had gathered much fame as a teacher and healer.  Now He returned to his hometown of Nazareth to minister to His own neighbors.  He chose His text from Isaiah 61 where the prophet described the ministry of the coming Messiah.  Then He rolled up the scroll and announced to the people that this prophecy was at this very moment being fulfilled before their eyes.  But this was too much for Jesus’ neighbors.  They had known Him as a humble carpenter’s son.  Who does he think he is?  Boldly identifying Himself with the Messiah!  When He suggested that the unbelieving Israelites had been overlooked by Elijah and Elisha... and gentiles had been blessed instead... that did it!  They mobbed Him and pushed Him to the top of a cliff intending to silence his voice forever.  But He gave them the slip. 

A.  Familiarity brings contempt.  It wasn’t Jesus’ neighbors that acknowledged who He was... it was His enemies, the demons.  In Capernaum a demon possessed man shouted Jesus’ true identity.  “I know who you are — the Holy One sent from God." (Luke 4:34)  Others, also demon possessed, yelled, “You are the Son of God.”  But He told the demons to be silent and cast them out. (vs 41)  The Apostle Paul also silenced a demon possessed girl who followed them constantly announcing, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." (Acts 16:17-18)   If I want an advertising campaign, I don’t want to devil to be in charge of it.  It would be like a liquor brand sponsoring my daily devotional.

P.  Lord, Jesus, there are a lot of voices out there.  Many of them are great, honorable men and women of God ministering in their churches, on radio, internet and TV.  But when the devil starts telling the world what a great guy I am... I am headed for trouble.  I have to say, “Shut up, devil.  I don’t need your propaganda.” Everyone seems to seek for fame.  Jesus, You did many things that brought You fame, but it wasn’t fame You were seeking.  It was true followers.  I just want to be one of them.  Amen.

Ralph