I will return to the house I left. On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order.
Matthew 12:44
BSB
Read Matthew 12 in a modern translation BSB
Read the whole chapter (Matthew 12)
An empty, swept house
An unclean spirit leaves a person and wanders about. Then he returns and finds his old house empty, swept and tidy. He fetches seven others.
It is a story about emptiness. Getting rid of something bad isn't enough. A house that has only been cleaned but stays empty is at risk. The question isn't only what has to go out, but what comes in.
Question for today
What have I cleared out, and what am I filling that space with now?
Prayer
Lord, you have cleared out a lot in me. Come and live in my house yourself now, so that it doesn't stay empty. Amen.