From Matthew 9:31-34 / Demonically Mute – It is interesting to note how many times muteness and deafness are associated with one being demon-oppressed in Scripture. We cannot make the false logical leap that the deaf and mute are in every or even in most cases demonized. But we can infer the inverse – that the demonized are often deaf and mute.

Why? Scripture never gives a stated answer to that question. But there are somethings we can nevertheless know.

First we know (in the case of the deaf) that Satan and his minions use all means at their disposal to prevent humankind from hearing and believing the Gospel. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. In a time when sign language and the such we not yet invented, and communication with the deaf was dreadfully inadequate, it is no wonder – especially when Jesus was about preaching and teaching – that the demonic forces would focus on this means of prevention. A means Jesus confronts and defeats. The most diabolical and cruel means that all the satanic powers can muster are no match for our Redeemer. He delivers His own from every power in the universe in bringing them to salvation. None can ultimately resist His power.

Second, while the word “mute” used in our text can refer either to deafness, the inability to speak or both together (for they often do go together) – we can see how the Enemy of our souls seeks to rob us of our birthright as made in the image of God – and uniquely created to offer up praise. No other creature in our realm is so equipped. Human beings above all others are given the privilege of being able to behold His glory, comprehend something of that glory – and declare that glory. So again, Satan longs to keep us from our privilege and call. But once again Jesus overcomes.

But we must not ignore the fact that the demon powers till work to these same ends today. They block our ears to the Word and bind our tongues from declaring Christ’s praises by distraction, discouragement, distress, disillusionment, and especially disinformation.

How can our ears be filled with the Words of Christ when we are too busy, too drawn off after all sorts of other things – legitimate and illegitimate? When due to all manner of external and internal distractions, we have no time to sit and read and mediate on His Word and hear His voice in it? Or when all other pursuits keep us from gathered worship to sing His praises together and glorify His name with our lips in testimony and song? When we are so wrapped up in the news and our troubles, that nary a word of thanks and praise passes our lips because we are fretting, complaining and declaring all that is going on in the World, but not what Christ has done for us, the surety of His promises and the glories revealed in His Word?

The demons are no less about their business because they do not do it as directly in an individual soul, but have shifted to broader platforms.

But praise God, our Christ overcomes even here. For Christians still take the time to read, study and take in His Word – freed by His grace. And many still lift up the name of Christ in gathered and private worship – delivered from the distracting power of our enemies by the presence of the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

Christ overcomes all the works and machinations of the Devil. Are you demonically mute today? Flee to Jesus. What a deliverer He remains today!

O for a thousand tongues to sing, my Great Redeemer’s praise

The glories my God and King, the triumphs of His grace