Warning the Pharisees

"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation."
(Matthew 12:43-45)

Most interpretations I read focus on this being the state of a man, namely one that is unrepentant. I think it also illustrates the fall of a nation illustrated by something the audience had likely witnessed, demonization. The key here is when a man returns to his old ways with a lack of true heart change, in the man or nation, his unrepentenant state is worse than the previous. Being declared an empty vessel is a clue but being swept and put in order without being filled is the indication of pride and rebellion. I imagine the Pharisees witnessed deliverance, or even performed it, but failed to convert the recipient for lack of imparting the true knowledge of God necessary to change. A knowledge they themselves obviously overlooked.

Now, a "worse condition" does not always mean visible torment. It could mean a greater stronghold of pride and lust for power, such as the Pharisees exhibited. It is in a contrite heart that our spiritual enemy creates torment. But in a heart willing to bend to evil, I imagine the demon finds the rest it seeks.

From a spiritual warfare perspective, of that taught in charismatic circles today, I think this passage is too easily simplified. It is as though such a reader is looking for more rules with which to place you and God in a box. It is inexplicable to me how many teachers today, in the name of deliverance, scare sincere Christians into facing or fighting the enemy. Why not focus on our failure to teach soundly of God's character, as with the Pharisees, rather than using fear to bring submission? The hope in this message is that the repentant heart is safe and secure.

How can we forget the many promises and declarations such as in Psalms 32:7, 37:29, 34:19, 91:10-11 and Nahum 1:7? God is characterized as a protector, a fortress and reliable in time of trouble.

Fortunately, God does not pronounce judgment upon the repentant because of Jesus Christ. May you know the safety of your Lord's arms above and beyond any trouble, spiritual or physical. May you know the Lord knows your name, and that He will never fail to meet you in the place of need. He is persistent and purposeful - meditate on Job 8:20-21 today!