Good morning!
Text: Luke 7-9; Psalm 94
In Luke 8:26-39 we learn of Jesus’ casting a “Legion” of demons from a man who is horribly possessed. The demons end up in a herd of pigs who then drown in the lake. The man, miraculously, ends up “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.” (8:35). Rather than rejoicing, the people are gripped with fear. Rather than welcoming and being gathered to Jesus, the text says,
“all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear.” (Luke 8:37).
My first thought is that if Jesus did a miracle that I would cheer and run to him. These people don’t. My first thought about that is that they don’t get it. But… maybe they do. The power of Jesus is a fearsome thing. Demons are real, and they are dangerous. Jesus has breached the veil between earth and heaven, and has unleashed incredible power. Maybe these people who are afraid to have Jesus around grasp how great He is in ways we miss. Perhaps we should elevate our view of Jesus as worthy of the awe due His glory, might and majesty.
That said, this same Jesus has made it possible for us to call Him brother, and indeed to draw close. What a Savior!
in Him, Mike