The Exorcist

June 28, 2004

In these “enlightened times”, we may look upon demons and evil spirits as an outdated rationalization for things unexplained. Yet the cosmic battle between good and evil continues. I have been asked twice recently to perform what some may consider “an exorcism”, a request to cast off the disruptive influence of evil spirits in people’s lives. “I didn’t know Methodists could do that!” some responded. Perhaps because of the 1970s movie, The Exorcist, we think exorcism is a sole rite of the Roman Catholic Church. Almost every major religion has some historical precedence and formal rite (if only a simple prayer) for banishing evil spirits. I do not plan to hang out a shingle, “Bill Jenkins, Exorcist”. However, I will freely offer my prayers, formally or informally, to anyone who feels unduly oppressed by evil…in whatever form.

Before the church found its way to Rome, Jesus sent out seventy disciples in pairs, as “lambs among wolves”. We will take a look at this timely passage from Luke 10 in Sunday’s sermon. Jesus’ instructions to his disciples were simple: Go where they were welcome; do the works of Christ; heal the sick; and shake the dust off their feet if rejected. When the 70 returned, they were excited that even the demons submitted to them. Jesus confirmed that, yes, they had authority over demons, but their salvation was cause for greater rejoicing!

While I would never take casting out demons lightly, I think this passage reminds us of God’s infinite power over evil. The disciples were not sent specifically to cast out demons, but in the process of going about their Godly work, the demons fled. They still do. The amazing thing is not that disciples have power over demons; the amazing thing is that God loves and protects us, and offers us salvation. Experience that love, protection, and salvation with us this Sunday at 10:55.