Category: The Nation Israel

The Last State is Worse Than the First #6

Sunday, October 8, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

After the Lord Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified, He resurrected and ascended back to Heaven as a royal exile. In the meantime, King David’s throne is vacant, meaning someone can pretend to be David’s heir and thus deceive Israel into believing he is worthy of the throne. This man is the Antichrist, of whom the Lord Jesus warned Israel: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” (John 5:43).

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Antichrist is “that man of sin, the son of perdition [damnation].” All that sin entails—every thought and action that Satan’s evil world system promotes—will be personified in one single human. Romans 1:25 describes Satan’s original plan as “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator.” The Antichrist, a mere man, will be worshipped as if he were God Himself (see Daniel 11:36-38; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-8)! He is also called “the beast,” as in a bestial or animalistic and brutal person, and “the dragon” (Satan) empowers him (see Revelation 13:1-10). Israel has had some truly evil rulers throughout history, but this diabolical man will outdo them all!

Furthermore, roughly midway through his seven-year reign, the Antichrist will be assassinated (see Zechariah 11:15-17; Revelation 13:3,14). An evil spirit from the bottomless pit will reanimate his corpse (Revelation 17:8,11), a sham “resurrection” authenticating the Antichrist as “Messiah” (counterfeiting Jesus being raised from the dead)! This is the individual who will govern, betray, and torment Israel. His idolatrous religion will enable Satan to possess Israel to the fullest degree (recall the “seven” spirits of today’s Scripture).

In other words, when the Lord Jesus returns, Satan’s man is occupying David’s throne….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #5

Saturday, October 7, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

In today’s Scripture (cf. Matthew 12:43-45), an unclean spirit leaves a man. The man, now purified from his satanic corruption, is likened unto a house “swept and garnished” (free of filth, now put in proper order and decorated). Yet, he is repossessed as more devils enter him. The key to identifying this man is found by looking in Matthew 12:45: “…Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” Jesus Christ was describing His own audience, the very people listening to Him, the same nation Israel who was unwilling to allow Him to cleanse them of their devil possession!

“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children” (Isaiah 49:24,25). “For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he” (Jeremiah 31:11).

Israel is a hostage or prisoner of Satan (the “stronger” man), but the LORD (Jesus Christ) will save him. Notice the link to the “strong man” of Matthew 12:29 and Luke 11:21,22. Here is Satan, with the Lord Jesus entering Satan’s house (Israel and her land) and taking Satan captive. Every time Christ cast out an evil spirit during His earthly ministry, He was lessening Satan’s grip on Israel and bringing Israel closer to national restoration and kingdom glorification. Yet, unbelieving Israel kept opposing Christ, so Israel was opening herself up to a more dreadful fate (additional devils!)….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #4

Friday, October 6, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Read Matthew 8:28-32, Mark 5:1-13, and Luke 8:26-33. Whereas Matthew focuses on two men possessed with devils (symbolizing the divided kingdom—the Kingdom of Israel of the north, and the Kingdom of Judah of the south), Mark and Luke emphasize the leading man (for Israel was originally one kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon). This is Israel’s wretched spiritual condition, but the Lord Jesus can cast out Satan and thus cleanse the nation of its spiritual pollution. Still, when the Lord Jesus performed an exorcism, the overwhelming response was negative (recall Matthew 12:24 and Luke 11:15,16). For another illustration of Israel’s unbelief during Christ’s earthly ministry, we simply look at their reply when He cast out the devils in Matthew chapter 8, Mark chapter 5, and Luke chapter 8!

“And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts [Please go away, Jesus!]” (Matthew 8:33,34). “And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts” (Mark 5:16,17). “They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again [Christ gave them their wish!!!!]” (Luke 8:36,37).

With Messiah absent, Israel’s spiritual state is worse than ever….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #3

Thursday, October 5, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Satan certainly did not know everything, but he could study the Old Testament and listen to Father God’s messengers (angels, John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, the 12 Apostles) to gather that Christ’s earthly ministry was connected to the founding of God’s earthly kingdom. For example, Luke 1:31-33: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

If God has a holy people working His will in the Earth (Israel), Satan’s plans thus cannot come to pass! What better strategy could Satan employ to prevent God’s earthly kingdom from arising, than render the Jewish people unclean by sending his evil spirits to possess them? Thus, in Matthew through John, there is a sharp increase in devil possession. Satan is opposing the institution of God’s earthly kingdom, Israel’s political revival, the reinstatement of David’s throne.

One major feature of Christ’s earthly ministry is exorcisms. His purpose in working this miracle is revealed in two verses. “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you” (Matthew 12:28). “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:20—the context of today’s Scripture). When Messiah came, He would indeed “cause… the unclean spirit to pass out of the land [of Israel]” (Zechariah 13:2). Yet, Israel was not ready for Messiah….

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

The Last State is Worse Than the First #2

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Observe the context of today’s Scripture: “[14] And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] was casting out a devil, and it was dumb [unable to speak]. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. [15] But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub [Satan!] the chief of the devils.” Be sure to note how they complain about or criticize the Lord Jesus for doing this good work, falsely attributing it to Satan and making it seem evil!

“[16] And others, tempting [testing, challenging] him, sought of him a sign from heaven. [17] But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. [18] If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. [19] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. [20] But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. [21] When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: [22] But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. [23] He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” You may also read the analogous passage, Matthew 12:22-30.

The man’s last state is worse than his first because of his ungratefulness to Christ’s earthly ministry….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #1

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Let us start our investigation by reading the parallel passage, Matthew 12:43-45, which supplies us with additional details: “[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. [44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. [45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”

These are definitely some unusual verses, are they not? Essentially, the Lord Jesus Christ described an individual out of whom an “unclean spirit” (devil, evil spirit) was cast. The evil spirit—taking along seven other (and more malevolent) devils—returns to re-possess the man. In other words, the man’s condition went from bad (an evil spirit rendering him unclean) to better (no evil spirit, so he is thus clean or purified) to worse (eight evil spirits, making him more contaminated than ever)! No doubt, “the last state of that man is worse than the first.” What is the purpose of these Scripture verses?

Whether in the context of today’s Scripture or the context of Matthew chapter 12, therein lies the clue to uncovering the meaning of this obscure passage. It requires some Bible study and verse comparisons, locating cross-references and piecing them together to form one cohesive narrative. Let us proceed to examining how both history and prophecy are wrapped up in today’s Scripture….

Know Your Apostle

Sunday, October 1, 2023

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:…” (Romans 11:13 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know your Apostle?

Read Hebrews 5:11-14. Though they possessed the Hebrew Scriptures for over 1,500 years (Romans 3:1,2), ancient Israel did not reach spiritual maturity because they did not follow God’s pattern for development. They should have progressed from a diet of spiritual “milk” to “strong meat,” growing from spiritual “babes” to “them that are of full age” (adults). The writer of Hebrews laments how although Israel should be able to teach the Word of God to the world, stunted growth requires Israel must first be taught again the very basics. They had not listened to God’s spokesman to them (especially Moses’ ministry)!

As concerning us, Paul is our apostle (today’s Scripture), the Lord Jesus Christ’s “sent one” or spokesman to us (Acts 26:16-18). If we reject Christ’s messenger to us, we refuse Christ Himself, and we thus refuse Father God who sent Christ as His messenger (see Matthew 10:40; Luke 10:16; John 13:20). Also consider the Holy Spirit’s instructions through Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 1 Corinthians 14:37,38.

Paul is the “wise masterbuilder” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11) for this “the Dispensation of the Grace of God” (Ephesians 3:1,2). His inspired writings of Romans through Philemon are the blueprints for God’s current building project. The foundation is Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (1 Corinthians 3:10,11; cf. Romans 16:25), which is Christ as presented in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Unless we build on Christ according to mystery, it is not what God is doing today—and it is “wood, hay, stubble” (worthless). Returning to the Jesus Christ of prophecy (outside of Paul’s ministry) is to preach and use “another Jesus,” “another spirit,” and “another gospel” (see 2 Corinthians 11:3,4).

Read Romans 16:25,26. Father God will “stablish” (stabilize) us spiritually according to: (1) Paul’s Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3,4), (2) the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon), and (3) the Scriptures of the prophets (all of the Bible in light of Pauline revelation). Knowing God’s messenger to us, we know His will for us. Knowing God’s will for us, we can now have faith in it, and accomplish it with Him!

Know Right Division

Saturday, September 30, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know right division?

It truly is a sad state of affairs when most people who possess a Bible have no idea how to use it. They appeal to “scholars” and manmade systems for light, but often receive nothing but further darkness because the blind lead the blind (see Matthew 15:12-14). If we have even the slightest hope of extracting the spiritual profit God the Holy Spirit placed in His inspired and preserved words, we must pay attention to His words instead of the words of man’s “wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

The key to understanding and enjoying the Bible is 2 Timothy 2:15. We are not told to merely study Scripture, but rightly divide it. The Apostle Paul explains how he rightly divided the Word of Truth in Ephesians chapter 2. “Time past” (verses 11,12) is the period on the Bible timeline when God dealt with mankind on the basis of circumcision (Israel, Jews) and uncircumcision (nations, Gentiles). This is Genesis all the way into early Acts. “But now (verses 13-18) is Paul’s ministry (Acts chapter 9 onward, including Romans through Philemon), when God does not distinguish between Jew and Gentile because He has broken down this “middle wall of partition.” In “the ages to come” (verses 6,7), we the Church the Body of Christ will rule and reign in the heavenly places.

It is not enough to divide truth from error, or Old Testament from New Testament, or Israel from “the church,” or Judaism from Christianity. We must rightly divide Israel from the Church the Body of Christ, Peter from Paul, law from grace, Earth from Heaven, prophecy from mystery. Prophecy, what God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21) cannot be the same as mystery, what God kept secret since the world began but has now revealed through Paul’s ministry (Romans 16:25,26). If we do not recognize these dispensational distinctions, then we will stumble over Bible “contradictions” and have no idea where we are on the Bible timeline or what God’s will for us even is. Right division will grow us up!

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #18

Saturday, September 23, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 21). Though earthly wealth is useful to us in obtaining a variety of favors and possessions from fellow humans, God cannot be bribed and will let no one into His Heaven based on any financial records, tax returns, or charitable contribution receipts. Worldly status means nothing to Him. Either we have trusted His Son’s finished crosswork and acquired His righteousness by faith, or we have not. Those without Jesus Christ had better come to trust Him as their personal Saviour now, and stop depending on uncertain riches for lasting peace and security (either now or later, eternal loss will come).

When a representative of an enormous eminent “Christian” cult was asked how much wealth his church had, he smugly replied, “Only God knows!” Decades later, and now boasting a billion members, the Lord is still keeping track of their finances. We can be absolutely certain He has not overlooked so much as a single penny! Laying up treasure for self, but not rich toward God, these religious leaders will give an account to Him. They too will lose the earthly fortunes they extorted from their gullible parishioners. The grim reality of today’s Scripture is that church leaders and church members alike do not “take it with them” when they leave this world!

If only the professing church (Christendom = Christendumb!)—and even the genuine church (the Body of Christ)—heeded the simple financial advice God the Holy Spirit issued in 1 Timothy 6:3-10,17-19! If only we had listened to the Lord Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15-21, and Luke 16:13! Our world would have far less debt, bitterness, poverty, disappointment, miserliness (greediness), idolatry, ruthlessness, and even loss of life! Christians would be wise stewards of their material goods, God’s ministry would be fully funded, and Hell would have fewer souls. Think about it, dear friend, and act accordingly!

-FINIS!-

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #17

Friday, September 22, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Loving money instead of loving God is spiritual suicide, especially for church leaders (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, what about church members? The Holy Spirit through Paul also addressed them in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Pastor Timothy was to instruct the materially wealthy not to be “highminded”—haughty or proud (Proverbs 18:23; Proverbs 28:11), particularly toward those less fortunate (see James 2:1-5, for instance). Though they assumed they were financially secure, even the richest people are not exempt from thieves, inflation, debt, recession, depression. Eventually, physical death will snatch “uncertain” material riches away (1 Timothy 6:17; cf. Proverbs 23:4,5), so we  should not put our faith in them. Instead, we should “trust in the living God” (cf. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13)!

It is not a sin to save money, but it is a sin to go to extremes to keep to it. Rather than hoarding our material wealth, we should “do good, that [we] be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; laying up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18,19). We should be rich in good works (cf. Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14)! Sound Bible doctrine will motivate us to use our financial resources to fund grace ministries, that the Gospel of God’s Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) be disseminated. Our giving under grace (and the sound Bible doctrine serving as motivation) will result in a spiritual reward in eternity future (serving in an office of Heaven’s government!). With our priorities in order, we enjoy eternal life (God’s life) on Earth.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….