Luke 8 Part 2 (7)

Pray Psalm 40.1-3.
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

Sing Psalm 40.1-3.
(Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry,
lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save.

Read Luke 8.1-56; meditate on verses 27-31.

Preparation
1. How did the Legion respond to Jesus?

2. What power did the Legion have over the man?

Meditation
We must remember that all the wicked, woeful, wretched conditions that plague our world are the result of sin. People fall into sin just like Adam and Eve did, by listening to lying promises from the father of lies and preferring those over the truth of God (Rom. 1.18-32).

Through the devil and his minions, thousands and thousands of years of misery, mayhem, madness, and murder plagued the world, while they, like playground bullies, delighted to deceive and destroy, and plotted their ultimate overthrow of God Himself. Satan saw his chance in that Judean wilderness, but he underestimated his rival, bet the whole table on his flimsy hand, and fell into the clutches of the Son of God. He was bound, his regime overthrown, he and his minions were doomed, and the rest, from then until Jesus returns, is just mopping-up, pushing ahead, and preparing for glory.

Daniel interpreted Nebuchandnezzar’s dream to mean that God’s Kingdom would, like a conquering stone, overwhelm, supplant, and replace every kingdom of men that made up the old regime of Satan and his cronies (cf. Is. 9.7). In Luke 8 we’re seeing the beginnings of that prophecy come true. Terrified demons are cast out and deep-sixed. Death and debilitation are overcome. New life and sound health abound. The Word of Jesus and His rule over all things wicked, woeful, and wretched is broadcast far and wide. He is the Rock of Daniel’s prophecy, and in Luke 8 we see just how powerful and glorious His new regime is and will be.

Praise God for setting you on that Rock (Ps. 40.1-3). Sing out the victory of King Jesus!

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Our glorious Conquering Stone was busy being victorious here in these passages from Luke 8.
So many healings! From so many different horrible afflictions dealt out by the enemy.

We first read of the women who ministered to Jesus and the disciples, who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others (Lk. 8.2, 3). Strike one!

Then Jesus conquered the wind and the raging water and the disciples’ lack of faith (Lk. 8.24, 25). Strike two!

Then there was the demon exchange from man to pigs. He was healed, they were drowned (Lk. 8.26-33). Strike three!

Moving on we come to the woman who had been brutalized for twelve years by constant bleeding. She was healed through touching His robe (Lk. 8.43-47). Strike four!

Then there was the raising of Jairus’ daughter from her sleep of death (Lk. 8.54, 55). Strike five!

The Conquering Stone ruled over demons, all infirmities, nature, unbelief, and death. A rousing victory for Jesus, and a stunning defeat for the enemy who says, “There is no God.” (Ps. 53.1).

And the glory of it all? We who believe in Jesus are victors with Jesus. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 Jn. 5.4, 5).

With all these people, healed and renewed by the Conquering Stone, we can rejoice and say:
“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Ps. 17.15).

For reflection
1. What does it mean to say that Jesus and His Kingdom are a Conquering Stone? How do you experience that?

2. How should knowing Jesus in this way affect our work in our Personal Mission Field?

3. How will you proclaim the Good News of Christ and His Kingdom today?

Those under Christ’s government are sweetly led with the bands of love; those under the devil’s government are furiously driven. Oh what a comfort it is to the believer, that all the powers of darkness are under the control of the Lord Jesus! Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Luke 8.22-40

Pray Psalm 40.4-10.
Ask God to show you how you can proclaim the Good News of the Rock of our salvation today. Offer your life to Him as a living sacrifice, then go forth to make beautiful music for the Lord.

Sing Psalm 40.4-10.
(Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare? None with You can e’er compare.

Off’rings You do not require – open now my ears, O Lord!
What from me do You desire? Firm delight to do Your Word.
Take my life in ev’ry part; write Your Law upon my heart.

Lord, Your truth will I proclaim to Your people gathered ‘round.
Nor will I my lips restrain – let Your precious ways resound!
Of Your saving grace and Word I would speak, most loving Lord.

T. M. and Susie Moore 

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available by clicking here.