Picture a muzzle. Think of what it's for. It's a tool of submission and silence.Jesus used a "muzzle" once. He was in Capernaum, teaching with great authority in the synagogue. Just then a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began crying out, asking if Jesus had come to destroy them.
"Jesus cut him short. 'Be quiet!' He said sternly. 'Come out of this man,' He ordered. The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek (Mark 1:21-26).
Jesus didn't let this evil spirit continue to have the floor--he cut him off. The Greek word for what Jesus did in telling the spirit within the man to be quiet was *phimoo* which means to muzzle. He basically silenced and subdued that evil spirit with His words.
I believe that, in Christ, we have the same authority to cut the enemy off when he begins speaking. Who says we have to sit and listen to the father of lies? Do I really have to listen to him spew belittling and venomous words? And do you really have to give ear to his deceptive whispers about who you are and what you should do? Should he continue to find an audience with you and me?
NO.
In the authority that comes through the blood of Jesus Christ, I believe we can--and should--cut Satan short. Stop him mid-sentence. Silence him with the Word of truth. The moment he begins to taunt or tempt or torment, we can come at the evil one with Scripture--and muzzle him.
When the enemy opens his mouth, feel free to interrupt. It's the one time it's okay to cut someone off.
Thank you for the realization of this truth!
ReplyDeleteYes!! You are so right! There is no room in my life for his lies, and Jesus has given me the authority to stand up to him.
ReplyDeletesound mind. i was just listening to something yesterday that said jesus gives us the gift of sound mind. my mind has been noise lately. the liar is so familiar. his senselessness familiar. i'm cutting him off.
ReplyDelete