“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder. James 2:19 NIV
Dog trainers tell you that you must be a strong leader. Dogs will attempt to lead you if you do not lead them. We are told to establish ourselves as the Alpha and obvious pack leader or there will be chaos in our homes. Different methods exist from invisible fences, clickers, E-Collars, to doggie boot camps where your pup resides and is returned to you as a sterling example of obedient perfection.
Jesus was a strong leader wrapped in love. He led in word and by example. The disciples boot camp lasted for three years with thorough training. Just like our pups, they didn’t always get it but they definitely believed that Jesus was the Alpha and worth following.
Atheists and agnostics don’t have that going for them. An atheist is defined as a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods. An agnostic doesn’t believe or disbelieve in a god or religious doctrine. The Bible says that even the demons believe and tremble.
Satan knows God exists and aspires to be the Alpha, failing miserably with his counterfeit lifestyle. Revelation 12:9 tells us, “The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him”. Ephesians 6:12 states, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.
Mark 5 records the story of a demon possessed man healed by Jesus. His body housed so many evil spirits that they called themselves Legion. In The Message Bible they refer to themselves as a mob. Jesus commanded them to come out of the man and leave him alone. The demons begged Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs. When the demons were forced out of their old home and into their new, the herd of pigs ran down a steep hill and into the water and were drowned. Verse 13 lists the herd of pigs at 2,000. That’s a lot of demons who all believed, spoke to Jesus, and shuddered!
Jesus is confident in who he is. He is a born leader and speaks and acts with authority. We claim to believe and recognize him as our Savior and Lord but do we let him lead us? Is he the Alpha in your life?
Demons are on the opposite side and know their enemy. They recognize him as the Alpha and the Omega. If the demons believe in Jesus, shouldn’t we?
Just Another Dog Devotion 