When the Spirit Moves

In Luke's gospel, two very different scenes give us a sober reminder about the reality of death and the seriousness of preparing for it.

In one account, a twelve-year-old girl dies suddenly in her home. Her parents are devastated until Jesus arrives. With a word, He calls her back to life, and Luke tells us, "Her spirit returned, and she got up immediately" (Luke 8:55). Notice what happened: the spirit had departed. Death is not merely the body ceasing to function–it is the spirit leaving. Only the Lord of life could call that spirit back again.

In another moment from the same chapter, a legion of demons begs Jesus not to send them into the abyss but instead into a nearby herd of pigs (Luke 8:31-32). Even these unclean spirits dreaded confinement. They knew there was a place of restraint beyond the grave, a realm prepared for those awaiting judgment. If demons tremble at the thought of it, how much more should we take seriously what lies ahead for us?

Put together, these stories paint a sobering picture: death is real, the spirit does not remain with the body, and even the enemies of God acknowledge a destiny beyond this life. For the young girl, her return to life was temporary–she would one day die again. But her revival gave us a glimpse of the greater resurrection still to come. For the demons, their fear of the abyss showed that no spirit escapes God's authority.

The Bible warns us that after death comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). The girl was given more time, but we may not be. The demons feared their sentence, but we can face our future with confidence in Christ if we prepare now.

The question is simple: when your spirit departs, will it be the beginning of eternal joy or eternal regret?

Don't gamble with eternity–because when the spirit moves, it moves forever.