TEXT: LUKE 10:20
''Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.''
Demons submit one to another: this they usually do to deceive humanity; because man is easily taken with signs and wonders, Satan gives a false testimony to his doctrine by granting signs and wonders to his messengers. Ignorant saints can easily build their joy on their victory over unclean spirits or success in holy duties. A man can cast out demons in Christ's name, prophesies in His name and carry out good works in the Lord's name, yet he may be unknown by Christ. Christ would not have us build our hope on these sinking sand! The believers may expel a demon but have himself become proud for it, thereby making the devil to gain 'victory' over him through his 'victory.' If we expelled all the evil spirits on earth, the devil loses nothing, if he can by this victory, infuses pride into us. Satan can afford to let anything go, if pride can be let in into man: for hereby, God turns His resistance against a man. God hates for His saints to boast over anything save that their name is written in heaven! Demons fly away at the Saints' commands, not for any other reason, but that their name are written down in heaven; that their interests in the next world is clear, cleared and crystal. He is not wise, who validate his acceptance with God by the submission of evil spirits to him, instead of Jesus' merits. Brethren, know that demons can submit to a man just to have him in their net. There is nothing spectacular in ordering fallen angels out of a place: false prophets can do same. Wherein should we ever boast: in demons submitting to us? nay! they can submit to any body out of wit! Let us rather boast that our names have found a place in that great book of life. He whose name is written down in heaven is more than that man who has power over legion of demons, but not trace of his name can be found in Life's book!