Luke 8:26-39
Today, I took the liberty of posting a bit of a different blog entry on Writers' Rest. I felt compelled to talk about Jesus. When I read the New Testament, I am amazed at the power of our Lord as he went about the earth, healing others.
Luke 8:26-39 is a powerful scripture, and I've copied and pasted it below if you wish to read it. Everytime I read this, it stays in my mind for a long time. It kind of reminds me of a Peretti novel. I could imagine Frank Peretti doing a biblical fiction piece about this demon-possessed man.
Plus, the fact that Jesus made those evil spirits to come out of the demon-possessed man, and then allowed them to go into the swine, thus causing the swine to drown in the water, just proves what God can do.
I can't imagine being possessed by a legion of demons, so much so that one can't even live among society, but up in the tombs, separated from others....
Just makes me stop and think, and be a little afraid, but to come to appreciate God's power...
What thoughts come to your mind when you read this scripture?
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Luke 8:26-39 NEW KING JAMES VERSION
26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”
And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.
34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
8 comments:
I'll start by commenting. This scripture blows my mind! I say to myself, WOW, THE POWER OF THE LORD!
Cecelia, this story has always resonated with me too. We don't know his history, only that he was separated and tormented. Often the consequences of our actions separate us from God and loved ones, and we don't know how to rectify the situation. If nothing else, this story should illustrate that by calling on God, we can be reconciled to him. And hopefully, our other relationships can also be mended.
Thanks for posting.
Jesus cast out demons.
However, some say that casting out demons isn't for today. But I disagree. Until Jesus comes again, there will be demons that Christians must cast out in the name of Jesus.
Love,
Molly
Teresa, I wholeheartedly agree with you. We need to all upon God and be reconciled with him. Molly, I agree with you, too! Casting out demons is something that needs to be done, in the name of Jesus, before He comes again.
This passage proves to me that no one is so "far gone" that the Lord can't save them. Very encouraging, uplifting passage.
This passage has always blown my mind too, the fact that the demons knew who Jesus was, even if nobody else did. Hmmm. I'd sure like for Jesus to walk through Washington, D.C. while Congress is in session. I'll bet all our minds would be blown for sure at what happened. :-)
There are a number of key elements in this story. I'll list them as I see them.
1. The demons were terrified of the authority Jesus had over them.
2. The demons asked not to be sent to the abyss, but instead sent into a herd of swine (unclean animals).
3. The demons drove the pigs over a cliff to their death, (just like they will try with us if we let them have power in our lives)
4. Jesus emanated power and authority on a level that we can only dream of, and yet we have access to through Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Demons should be trembling when they see you and me coming down the streets).
5. The man was so grateful he wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and tell his story there.
6. The rest of the city was terrified at the power and authority of Jesus. I find this interesting because Jesus had just released one of their number from a terrible bondage. Also they seemed to have the same terror as the demons, which makes me wonder just who was their master. No wonder Jesus later would tell them that God was not their Father, but their father was the Devil.
Thanks for sharing your key elements, David. Also, I'm glad you stopped by Writers' Rest and commented.
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