What happens when you realize the truth of something for the first time?  How did the thinking of the disciples change when they realized Jesus was God in the flesh? Want the truth? This realization changed their lives for the rest of their days on earth.

During the life of Jesus on earth, Israel was occupied and oppressed by Rome. Because of this, Jesus strictly charged the disciples to keep the knowledge that He was the Son of God to themselves. He knew the people would want to make Him the political and military leader who threw off the Roman occupation.

Jesus did not come to throw off Roman occupation.

He came to throw off a different occupation. He came to save us from more serious occupation-sin, the occupation of the devil in our souls.  Because of this, He commanded His disciples to keep quiet before His death.

“And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”” Luke 9:21-22

Dear friend Jesus DID throw off occupation. By dying a terrible death on a wooden cross Jesus threw off the sins of every person. His death frees us of occupation. Remember the demon possessed man after Jesus threw off his demons? His death can throw off the ones that torment you and me.

One more thing…connected to our subject. There are thousands of thousands of people in history who lived BEFORE Jesus came. They believed God loved them. They believed in things not seen. God gave them faith to believe. People like Noah and Moses…God gave faith to believe in His promises…to throw off the occupation of our enemy, Satan.

The verses from Hebrews which follow remind us that like the multitude of people from the past who believed God’s promises-so can we-the death and resurrection of Jesus enables us to run the “Race of Life” free from the occupation of the devil.

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

As we begin each day, may our first priority be…keeping our eyes on Jesus! Only Jesus can throw off the occupation of of the enemy of our souls. An empty cross is proof.