Luke chapter 8 verses 34 to 39 (NIV)
When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Several of the daily readings of late have served as a reminder that not everyone responds to the miraculous movings of Jesus, even when they have seen it for themselves. Today’s reading is another such reminder. Jesus set free a man who had been tormented for many years. His condition was well-known by those in the area for at some point they had even tried to restrain him in chains. But they did not rejoice or give thanks for his deliverance. They were afraid and they asked Jesus to leave. Why?
Perhaps they were worried that they too would have to change. It seems they were not all living a devout Jewish life. We read that some of the witnesses were those who were keeping a large hers of pigs. Pigs were unclean according to the law. Perhaps they were worried that Jesus would expose other aspects of their lifestyle that they didn’t want made public. Perhaps they enjoyed their current lifestyle and didn’t want to change. It certainly seems to me that it was the sense of Jesus’ holiness that made them afraid. Sometimes people today may be quite aggressively critical of our faith. Perhaps being in the presence of God, by His Spirit in us, makes them uncomfortable and they are afraid of what an encounter with Jesus would mean. When we are confronted by someone who behaves aggressively like this, we should pray for them, after all they too are being held captive.
On the other hand , the man who had been delivered wanted to stay with Jesus, so full of gratitude for his freedom and new start. Jesus told him however to stay where he was and tell everyone what God had done for him. He knew the people of the area needed to see what God could do. I never noticed before today that Jesus specifically instructs the man to tell what God had done for him. Thus He is making it really clear who He is. Perhaps that’s why the bystanders in this incident were so afraid.
Dear Lord,
I am grateful once again for this example of mercy and grace extended to someone in great need. It is so sad when people refuse to accept Your hand on their lives for fear of what it may cost. Satan has led men to believe a lie that they would be giving up too much and not have a proper life as a follower of Christ. But we know that You came to give us life and that more abundantly and that’s why like this man who’d been set free, we too must tell of all You’ve done for us. Help me to do so whenever the opportunity arises, and help me to pray for those who seem aggressive to Your ways, remembering that they too are being bound by their lifestyles and have believed a lie. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.