The Finger that Invokes a Kingdom

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Lk 11:14–23).

The Son of God became like us in order to reveal the glory of God to us… “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  When Jesus spoke we heard the word of God… “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak” (John 12:49). When Jesus acted we saw the work of God… “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves” (John 14:11). Today we see that when Jesus spoke and acted people did not always acknowledge His manifestation of the kingdom of God. The difference between would-be and genuine disciples is that we anticipate and acknowledge the finger of God as the finger that invokes a Kingdom.

The finger of God imprecates His enemies. In this encounter between the Son of God and a son of Beelzebul, the demon was cast out by the power of God. The touch of heaven’s potency was captivating and conquering. This was a revelation of the creative power of God… “‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17). This was a release of the defending power of God… “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:14). As we grow in faith we learn to rejoice in our trials because they are opportunities for the kingdom of God to be released and revealed through the finger of God in triumph over our enemies.

The finger of God imposes His authority. In this encounter between the Son of God and a son of Beelzebul, the demon was cast out by the rule of God. The touch from heaven’s throne was commanding and compelling. This was a revelation of the reign of God over other would-be pretenders… “Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity’” (Psalm 96:10). This was a manifestation of the divine sovereignty of God… “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11). As we grow in faith we learn to surrender our battles to the Lord as we trust the finger of God to enforce His kingdom authority over our enemies.

The finger of God identifies His disciples. In this encounter between the Son of God and a son of Beelzebul, the demon was cast out and witnesses were compelled to choose sides. The touch of heaven’s grace was divisive and distinguishing. Whenever God shows up and defeats His enemies, those who despise Him will deny His power… “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Those who love Him will praise and celebrate His grace… “What is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might” (Ephesians 1:19). As we grow in faith we welcome trials in anticipation of the finger of God manifesting His kingdom’s grace toward us, His children.

As we grow up into Christ we anticipate and celebrate the finger of God every day because it is…

The Finger that Invokes a Kingdom.