The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
The response of the people who had witnessed evil in this man is somewhat puzzling? Their first reaction to this powerful deliverance was fear - people fear what they do not understand. Their second reaction was a bit odder - I wonder how many of them had herds of pigs that they felt were endangered? Isn't it strange that none of them gave thanks that this tormented demonized man was at peace? Their reactions were callous and selfish.
On the flip-side sat a man who finally had peace in his life! This man wanted to cling to Jesus and follow him wherever he went but God had other plans for this freed man. Perhaps Jesus knew that this man had the heart of an evangelist? It is interesting how sometimes the Lord would command a leper to keep silent about his healing but in this case he told the man to witness to all he met. And indeed there was cause for great awe and marveling.
I too marvel at the work of your hands Lord! Help me to be one who rejoices with others!
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to get comments and usually respond. So come back to see my reply.
You can click here to see my comment policy.