This first example is a woman who was oppressed (not possessed) by a demon, who had inflicted her with some form of disease...
(Luke 13:10-13) And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” 13 And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God.
The next two examples are men who were possessed and inflicted with various physical impairments...
(Matthew 9:32-33) As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him. 33 After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
(Matthew 12:22) Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.
From this we see:
- demons can oppress a person (Luke 13:11)
- demons can inflict sicknesses that impair a person's posture (Luke 13:11)
- demons can possess a person (Matt.9:32, 12:22)
- demons can cause a person to be mute (Matt.9:32)
- demons can cause a person to be blind and mute (Matt.12:22)
Personal experience: I have a Christian girlfriend who has MS. I was amazed that some people kept telling her that her disease was caused by demons. And knowing her well, there is no way she was spiritually oppressed. We do need to be careful how we make such accusations.
Today's takeaway: even the Bible shows us that there are different causes to diseases. So - some infirmities are physical - and some are spiritual. Sometimes we suffer with a sickness because of sin, sometimes not! Notice from the examples above, Jesus never told any of them to "Go and sin no more."
Of course, it never hurts to confess our sins or ask God to remove any evil from us! But let us be careful how we mentor and judge others...
(Matthew 7:1-5) “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
(Galatians 6:1-10) Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
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