Bible Studies

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Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Usually, when we look at Luke 24:49, we notice that the Lord tells us to “tarry” or wait for the promise of the Father. We recognize that we are powerless to do anything without the promise of His Holy Spirit. We often use this scripture to remind people not to “get ahead of God.” But notice WHERE we are told to tarry... “in the city.”

Imagine a home in the country that has been cleaned and swept out. That house is left susceptible to break-ins. When a person, such as a crack addict, finds the empty house, they call their friends and they use that empty house as a meeting place to drink, do their drugs, etc. Who will witness the break-in? Who will do anything about the intruders?

Now, if that same house were in a congested city, there is no doubt that people would be familiar with their neighbors' homes and aware of anything strange going on right next door to them. If they are good neighbors, they will watch out for that home. As a matter of fact, cities are filled with police officers, watchmen, security guards, and others who have the authority to open the door of that home and proceed in forcing out the intruder(s).

If you have just recently been born again, (have “cleaned your house”) chances are that you have yet to receive the “promise of the Father” or “power from on High.” In other words, you are in waiting to receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is absolutely crucial that you surround yourself with Christians who have received that promise until you have received it yourself. This way, you do not leave yourself susceptible to enemy intrusion.

One of your "neighbors in the city" will open the door of your home and command the intruders to come out of there. And they don't even have to use guns or night sticks. The weapons of their warfare are not carnal. They use a double-edged sword and the intruders flee at the sight of such a weapon.

And soon, very soon, you can expect that you will have company that is deserving of a clean house to visit. As a matter of fact, if you welcome Him, He will become a permanent house guest, making your home His home. Not only will He be your permanent guest, but He will fill that empty, swept, and garnished home with love, peace, and joy.
© Joyce Pool

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