WORDS IN RED

GO

MATTHEW 8:32

 

            When reading Matthew chapter eight verses twenty-eight through thirty-four there is only one little two letter word in all those verses that is written in red.  It is the word “Go.”  In reading these verses it is plain to see that Jesus is dealing with two men possessed with demons.  There are some lessons to be learned by Jesus single word command:  first, the control he has over Satan; second, the lack of patience he has with Satan; and third, the distance he desires to have from Satan.

 

            It is true that we are quite weak when trying to fight the devil but if we will submit ourselves unto Christ we then can resist the devil and he will flee from us.  Notice Christ had command with only one word, “Go.”  His simple commands have stopped the winds and calmed the waves.  Death was robbed of its prey with just three small words, “Lazarus, come forth.”  Satan has no control over Christ.  He may say a lot and use many words but none can bring Christ under subjection.  Satan will surely lie and deceive people with beautiful lines but none have the power that is packed in the little two letter word of Jesus, “Go.”

 

            “Go” also indicates the lack of patience that Jesus has with Satan.  Even in the days of Jesus temptation in the wilderness, the Lords words with Satan were short and to the point.  Christ has no fellowship with the devil and is certainly not going to sit down and have a conversation with him.  You and I might learn a lesson here.  It is dangerous to spend time conversing with Satan.  It is not worth the time to spend arguing with the devil.  It is far better to set our eyes upon Christ and spend more time in prayerful talk with him. 

 

            Last of all “Go” signifies the distance that Jesus desires between himself and Satan.  Notice Jesus doesn’t invite Satan to come to him but rather commands that he depart from his presence.  He is never drawing the demons into people but telling them to leave.  With drugs, alcohol, pornographic material and many other things of the world we are inviting Satan into our lives.  We too should be saying “Go, flee from us”!  We need distance from the devil!  May our Christian walk hang on the coat tails of Christ and his command over Satan?

 

            Thank you Lord for your blessed Words in Red!

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Brother Randy Burtram

 

(Originally published March 8, 2015)