January 26, 2010

COME CLOSE, JESUS. NO WAIT, GO AWAY.

Key Verse
He said to them [the demons], "Go!" . . . And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:32, 34)
Read More READ TODAY'S PASSAGE
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Central Truth

Jesus has complete knowledge and control over the supernatural. He has power over demons and power to change us inside and out. We can choose to draw near to God. We can choose to oppose God out of fear or idol worship.

Reflections

When reading Scripture, I like to ask, “Who are you, Lord? Who am I, and what would You have me do?”  In this passage I learn about Jesus’ power to change us and His supernatural power over demons specifically.

It's clear that Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. Here, we see him destroying two men’s sanity and self-control, giving them fear, and robbing them of friends and family. The world has shunned these men and isolated them, but hasn't been able to change them. Jesus, however, has the power to change their entire lives--inside and out. What Jesus did for these two demoniacs He can do for anyone who needs Him (and that’s all of us).

All things belong to Jesus, but why Jesus chooses to send the demons into the pigs isn't clear. Lots of Gentiles lived in the area where this takes place so it makes sense that there were plenty of pigs here. What’s interesting is the town's reaction. This is the first open opposition to Jesus, which builds from here until Jesus’ crucifixion. Why do they send Jesus away? They lost their pigs, and they appear to fear further loss. Perhaps they preferred their possessions over Jesus.

It’s easy for me to think I’m different. I’m not demon possessed and wouldn't pick pigs over Jesus. The problem is that, just like them, I need Jesus to change my heart and help me not to worship idols. I turn good things into ultimate things. It might be performance and people rather than pigs, but it’s largely the same.

It helps me to be reminded every day of God’s mercy, gentleness, and kindness to me. (Romans 2:4) He gives me a relationship with Himself that I haven't earned. The Lord is powerful and kind, and I am His forgiven daughter. He would have me respond to Him with worship and gratefulness. Today, when I read Jesus' words, I choose to say, "Thank you," and "Come close," rather than to kick against Him and say, like the townspeople, "Go away."

Discussion Questions

1. Have you trusted in Christ's forgiveness for you? If not, share with someone what questions or concerns you have.

2. Do you have a group of people with whom you can be candid about your sin struggles and receive support? If not, what can you do this week to begin connecting with trustworthy people on a deeper level?

3. In what ways this week do you need to trust in God's power rather than in your abilities?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In verse 32, Jesus gives a command to the demons and what happens?

2. What does this show us about Jesus?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.

  1. Reggie

    January 26, 2010 04:55 AM

    I appreciate the emphasis of your devotional this AM. The reality that we can choose to yield our lives to Christ or to other pleasures/powers/possessions or people helped me take stock of my life. Thanks.

  2. Judy Wimberley

    January 26, 2010 07:25 AM

    Valerie, Great devotion this morning. Loved your "cat" example of how we want Jesus but push Him away when He threatens our little empire. Your questions, Who is He, Who is Me, So what then, are great tools to be serious about pursuing Jesus. Love you, Judy

  3. Carlton Kupp

    January 26, 2010 07:41 AM

    Valerie, great insight into our hearts and how we are afraid sometimes of what Jesus wants to do for us. I have enjoyed getting to know you through your friendship with Joy.

  4. Sue Bohlin

    January 26, 2010 08:15 AM

    >>Jesus has complete knowledge and control over the supernatural.

  5. Susan Coy

    January 26, 2010 08:39 AM

    Val, loved your story about your cat...if you have ever had a cat that analogy makes great sense. I know I must send Jesus conflicting messages all the time. Also thanks for the insight about "turning good things into ultimate things." Great reminder!

  6. January 26, 2010 09:03 AM

    Valerie.. your devo really encouraged me. The part that stood out for me was the way you ready your heart before you read Gods Word, asking God to reveal more of who He is to you and what would He have you do with the truth He reveals. James 2:18 reminds us our faith (which comes from hearing the Word of God) should bring about an action. Thank you for reminding me to ready my heart, even before I begin to read His word. Good stuff! Blessings!

  7. Bill

    January 26, 2010 09:05 AM

    Valerie: Often discussions of this passage get sidetracked on the pigs. Thanks for reminding us to focus on the men Jesus saved. And for reminding us that we often behave like the people from the city. (Maybe that is why we like to talk about the pigs - I don't seem too bad when compared to a demon possessed pig!)

  8. John Rogers

    January 26, 2010 11:27 AM

    I found it interesting that when the town's people asked Jesus to leave he did not discuss this or try to convince them they should change their minds. He left. Does anyone have any thoughts if this has any relevance for us today?

  9. Ann Holford

    January 26, 2010 01:59 PM

    Val- Loved your insight today! You said, "It's easy to think I'm different." Thanks for challenging me to recognize the ways I'm not so different and need Jesus' help to turn from those things that become idols in my life!

  10. Ann Piper

    January 26, 2010 02:14 PM

    Love the devo, Val! A great reminder of the Lord's power over all.

  11. BC

    January 26, 2010 02:38 PM

    Great question, John! My initial reaction is that this is evidence of Jesus being led by the Spirit. Mark and Luke speak only of one man and add the detail that he asked to go with Jesus after he had been healed. Jesus did not permit him to do so and told him to return to his people and hometown and to tell them about what the Lord had done for him. Mark 5:20 notes that the man did this and that all the people were amazed. So Jesus multiplied His ministry by sending the healed man. That is what He is still doing today through you and me. He is sending us to proclaim His message of redemption and healing to our people and our town. May we be as faithful as the healed man in these accounts! Call or email if you would like to visit further. Bobby Crotty Watermark Community Church

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Valerie Davis

Valerie Davis

Hi! My name is Valerie Davis. When I was growing up, we had a great cat named Tiger. He was really fluffy and huge--not a scrawny cat. Sometimes he would do this really weird thing. He'd wrap both of his front paws around my arm and start to kick & scratch at my arm with his back paws (ouch!). Much later, I realized that he was looking for a scratching post. At the time it seemed like he was saying, "Come close. No, wait, go away."