By Shane Kastler
Have you ever considered the fact that demons might have better theology than you do? Or that demons, who hate Jesus, might show him more reverence than you do? No Christian would care to admit that or even entertain it as a possibility. Yet, when we see Jesus encounter demons in scripture, they clearly know how he is (which speaks to their accurate theology); and they submit to his power (which speaks to their respect). Even if they would rather not submit to Christ, they simply have no choice because of his overwhelming power.
During Jesus's early Galilean ministry, the Bible records, "Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God!” (Mark 3:11) What is interesting to note here, is that as soon as they saw him, they would fall down before him. In their case, this was not an act of loving worship, but rather begrudging submission. Yet for Christians, we should long to bow down before him in reverence. Even though we are not physically in his presence, and we may not be able to physically bow down; certainly in our hearts we should be in a state of constant reverent submission to Christ, motivated by our love for him.
Secondly, the unclean spirits would shout, “You are the Son of God!” They are openly, publicly giving testimony as to who Jesus is. And they are not wrong about it. Do you openly profess Christ in such a way? While you don't have to go around shouting his name, you should be willing to openly identify with him and to tell others about him as the opportunity presents itself.
Demons recognize and react to Jesus because they are painfully aware of who he is and what power he possesses. They are not motivated by love; but their actions prove that they recognize him, acknowledge him, and fear him. We should never be outdone by these evil, unclean spirits. As believers we should openly, willingly, and joyfully confess and follow Christ. We should gladly tell the world of what he has done for us, and what he will do for other sinners who repent and believe in him. Demons submit to Christ out of begrudging hatred. Make sure that you submit to him out of genuine love. May it never be said that demons would out do you in showing reverence for the Lord.
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