Matthew 18:34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers.
Demons tease, tempt and torture. Jesus called them ‘tormentors/torturers’. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him (Mark 9:21-22a). A boy who was suffering from epilepsy was brought to Jesus. The convulsions tried to throw him into the fire to burn him or into the water to drown him. The boy was attacked by the demon of death when he was physically unable to stop himself from falling into danger. Demons mercilessly attack when we are physically weak or emotionally vulnerable. After a tiring day of challenges, a confrontation will push us into compulsive behaviour. Disappointment will turn into frustration, frustration will lead to depression and into tormenting thoughts of suicide or premature death. In an argument, never confess defeat, dread or death. Zip your mouth and nip the derision. If we fail to do so, we will allow the demons to control our tongue and thoughts and subconsciously become agents of the torturers.
All compulsive behaviours come from the dark world. Compulsive drinking, smoking, gossiping, sleeping or eating are seething demonic attacks. Healthy eating and a good amount of rest are essential but when it exceeds what our physical body requires it becomes compulsive and demonic. Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony (Proverbs 23:2). Compulsive eating is no different to compulsive drinking. Anorexia and bulimia are both demonic.Drive out the spirit of gluttony. Spending hours before the television and filling our heads with ideas and images, is also damaging. Demonic world knows our weak areas and past failures hence beware of their temptations and traps.
Three traits of the tormentors:
1. Tease: Demons tease, taunt and mock. Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers] (Ephesians 5:4a). Entertaining or engaging in coarse, silly or foul joking make us the mouthpiece of the demons. Avoid silly, filthy and dirty jokes.
2. Tempt: Demons attack in our vulnerable areas of weakness over and over again. Until the weakness becomes our strength the tempter will not give up. “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed (James 1:13-14). Overcome temptation with the Word. If tempted to gossip repeat (James 4:11). Compulsive eating/drinking/partying must be defeated with (Proverbs 23:19-21). Drive out compulsive sensual desires with (2 Timothy 2:22). Word is the sword that defeats the tempter.
- Torture: Demons cruelly control and torture. “My daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” (Matthew 15:22). The same demons that compulsively make us sin will also cruelly condemn us with guilt. Drive out the compulsive tormentors with the blood. Torture the torturers with the Blood of the Jesus.
The enemy is a ruthless tormentor.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Prayer: My Saviour and my Shield, show me the traps of the torturer and help me to resist and victoriously trash the enemy. Amen.
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