ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday

Matthew 8:28-34
²⁸When [Jesus] came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. ²⁹Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. ³¹The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” ³²And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. ³³The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. ³⁴Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.

We usually only include a verse or two in these devotions, but some stories need to be shared in full. This story of the demoniacs entering the pigs and then rushing off the edge of the cliff is one of those stories, I think. There are so many great components of it: the large herd of swine, the demons who beg to be sent into the herd of swine, the whole jumping off the edge, and then, most curious, the whole town coming to see Jesus and beg him to leave.

Usually the stories of Jesus visiting a community focus on the healing and the power of the word that Jesus speaks. Usually people rejoice and give praise when Jesus visits them. If they are filled with fear, it is accompanied by being filled with joy. But these folks beg him to leave. I suppose we could be thankful that even Jesus wasn't always welcome. But what speaks to me more from this story is that we don't have to be afraid of Jesus, we don't have to beg him to leave our lives, we don't have to be afraid. Do not be afraid.

Peace,
Pastor Jenn

PS. Join us this evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7:00; come at 6:00 for dinner. Dinner will be served in Heedum Hall on the lower level. See you there!