Scripture: Luke 11:14-15
Jesus was throwing out a demon that causes muteness. When the demon was gone, the man who couldn’t speak began to talk. The crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He throws out demons with the authority of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons.”
Thought for the Day: Have you ever known someone into which you wished Jesus would throw a demon, assuming the demon would cause muteness? Sorry, that’s not very kind…or pastoral. Let me return to the scripture, and the interesting reference to Beelzebul. That might be a name you’ve heard before. It was first referenced in 2nd Kings, and it was understood as a Philistine god. It literally translates as Lord of the Flies (not to be confused with the well known book). Now this is a bit earthy, but what was being described with that ancient name were bugs that feasted on dung, and how Baal (an ancient god) rid the community of these bugs that were associated with illness. It was a celebrated diety. Later, the name for this god who was understood as working to keep the community healthy became known as the ruler of the demons. Really smart people have made numerous guesses on how that dramatic transition occurred, but no one knows for sure. What I find interesting is how an idea that was associated with health for entire community was literally “demonized” in Christian scripture. It makes we wonder if that continues to ever happen – where we demonize something that was really intended to bring health to a community?
Prayer: Holy God, you love us and continue to work among us to draw this world toward wholeness. Thank you for remaining faithful even when we push back against the very things you are doing. Amen.
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