Luke 11:14-28
14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings 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.”
27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Reflection
The gospel brings the blessing of God (Luke 11:28). This is not a statement about financial success or physical health, though these are also gifts from God. Rather, to be blessed means to experience peace with God through Jesus Christ (1:79; 2:14; John 14:27; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:17).
Jesus describes those who receive this blessedness as people who hear and keep the Word of God (Luke 11:28). This gives us a description of how we should approach God’s Word: we must hear before we are able to obey. We must receive the message of God’s kindness and love, which the Holy Spirit uses to transform our hearts. Only then are we able to follow after Jesus and keep his Word.
Philippians 4:21-23
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Reflection
Paul ends the letter with the same blessing of grace with which he began (see Phil. 1:2), providing the Philippians with the fuel they need to live the life of humble joy that he has called for. From first to last, the letter to the Philippians is centered on the grace of God —to receive it, to rest in it, and to work it out in everyday life.
Psalm 119:2
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
Enjoy the blessing of God by hearing his Word and walking in his ways. Pray that the Scripture would impact you deeply so that your life will be changed from the inside out.