Thursday, June 22, 2023
“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:16-18 KJV).
Behold—a slave girl, an evil spirit, a vexed apostle, and a mighty God!
If Paul were a shallow Christian (like most), he would have replied to that devil-possessed girl with, “Do you believe in a ‘higher power?’ And, you agree with our message? Then come on in, sister! We all serve God and gladly receive you as a fellow Christian! You will be such a valuable asset to our ministry!” Paul, of course, had profound spiritual insight. It was once wisely stated, “Help from the Devil is no help at all.” If ever Satan and/or his servants volunteer to do God’s work, we would be utter fools to unite. Paul knew that quite well! If he let that devil-possessed damsel join his ministry team—though she spoke the truth—her admittance into God’s group would have done irreparable damage to their testimony.
Recall Christ’s earthly ministry. “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace [Be quiet!], and come out of him” (Mark 1:23-25). “And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known” (Mark 3:11,12). These devils recognized and preached Jesus as Messiah or Christ, but He silenced them because He did not need their public endorsement! Neither did Paul require the damsel’s approval….
333 Words of Grace 