In the Gospel of Luke story we have been following, JESUS’
disciples have taken a boat ride at His invitation, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” Luke 8:22
As they sail across the lake, a sudden fierce storm hits the
lake and the boat fills with water. The disciples become terrified and shake
awake a sleeping JESUS to tell Him that they are in danger of drowning. JESUS commands
the storm to cease and immediately there’s calm, but He is disappointed in His
disciples’ unbelief, “Where is your
faith?”
These men were with JESUS when He healed one man and brought
a dead man back to life, just by a word of command (Luke 7:1-15.) Still they show fear in His presence and amazement at
His power. “Who is this man?” they asked
each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” Luke 8:25
However, we should not judge harshly the reaction of JESUS’ followers since
we too often doubt and question JESUS when we are faced with difficulties. We
forget what He has done for us in the past and resort to disbelief – and we
have the benefit of the full knowledge of His finished work on the cross, which
the disciples didn’t have at this time.
The story does not record JESUS giving any details except
that they were going to other side of the lake. But the disciples should have
known enough about their Master by this time to know that this was not just a
joy-ride. JESUS would have some business to take care of on the other side
of the lake; something for which it was worthwhile to go through a storm to
accomplish.
We are about to learn, along with the disciples, that more than the raging storms obey JESUS!
The crew comes ashore at the region of the Gadarenes: As Jesus
was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to
meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs
outside the town. As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front
of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the
Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already
commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken
control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and
shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely
under the demon’s power. Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he
replied, for he was filled with many demons. The demons kept begging Jesus not
to send them into the bottomless pit. There happened to be a large herd of pigs
feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter
into the pigs. So Jesus gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the
man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside
into the lake and drowned. Luke 8:26-33
This account is absolute proof of the LORD JESUS’ power over the demonic world.
Too often we blame problems, misfortunes, and our carnal
appetites on demons and spirits. While these do exist as we just read, they ought not to
have possession of the lives and minds of GOD’s people.
Once we accept JESUS as LORD and Savior we are new creations
in whom GOD’s Spirit lives. We must now actively partner with the Holy Spirit
in renewing our minds and actions to live as children of light. We cannot remain
in the darkness from which we have been rescued, once we are truly saved.
…throw off your old sinful
nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and
holy.” Ephesians 4:22-24
For once you were full
of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! Ephesians 5:8.
You are all children
of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the
darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Matthew Henry’s Commentary of Luke 8:22-40 states in part, “Those under Christ's government are sweetly
led with the bands of love; those under the devil's government are furiously
driven. Oh what a comfort it is to the believer that all the powers of
darkness are under the control of the Lord Jesus! It is a miracle of mercy,
if those whom Satan possesses, are not brought to destruction and eternal ruin!”
Believers, having received GOD’s miracle of mercy, are in a
continuing process of spiritual healing by obeying GOD’s WORD daily and throwing
off our old sinful nature and our former
way of life, letting the Spirit renew
our thoughts and attitudes and choosing to live as people of light.
Such a miracle of mercy brings about a radical change in us
and causes the people in our sphere of influence to sit up and take notice, just
as it happened with the demon-possessed man in our story:
When the herdsmen saw
it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the
news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon
gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons.
He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane,…Luke 8:34-35
After years of torment by a legion of evil spirits and demons,
this individual is finally free and sane. Now he has but one desire, to be with
his rescuer and protector, JESUS, wherever He went.
But JESUS has something more in mind for this new disciple.
The man who had been
freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying,
“No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So
he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for
him. Luke 8:38-39
JESUS would not take him along with Him, but sent him home,
to testify to his family and friends and anyone who would listen, what great
things GOD has done for him. This man, who for most of his life was feared, is
now going to be a blessing to those same folks for whom he was a burden.
JESUS heals our dark, sin-sick souls and clothes us in His light
and righteousness for the same reason – to serve in His Kingdom as light to
the darkened world.
We do not get transported to heaven to be with JESUS immediately we get saved.
We are left here to tell people that JESUS crossed over to our
side and rescued us from the demonic darkness of our past; and that they too
could, by faith in Him, become “….a
chosen people….royal priests, a holy nation, GOD's very own possession…, whom He has called out of the darkness into His
wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
The fact that some storm clouds have settled temporarily over
our heads and the waters around out boats are a little choppy, do not give us
permission to become anxious and abandon ship. JESUS has not abdicated His
place. He is right alongside us and when the time is right He will calm the turbulence
about us but we will not be destroyed.
JESUS has given an open invitation to anyone who desires to cross to the other side of the lake with
Him.
We must take the journey with Him, by faith, to receive His promised healing; His miracle of mercy
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go
through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the
fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy
GOD and Father, we thank you for the LIVING WORD that shows us the way, the truth, and the life. Thank YOU
for reminding us that we have a great treasure residing within our earthly vessels,
YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, to sanctify us and renew our minds daily. Thank
YOU, Father, for helping us to have unshakable faith in CHRIST JESUS our LORD and Savior before whom the gates of hell could not prevail and demons tremble in terror. Thank
YOU for choosing us for YOUR Kingdom here on earth
and in heaven. By faith we believe and receive JESUS CHRIST, in whose NAME
we pray. Amen!
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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