HIGHLIGHT
Luke 8:35 (ESV): 35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
EXPLAIN
Jesus and his disciples had sailed across the Sea of Galilee to the Gerasenes. When they landed, they were greeted by a demon-possessed man that no one could take or control.
Jesus delivered the man, sending the demons into pigs which rushed off a cliff and drowned in the sea. Those tending the pigs rushed into town to tell the people what had happened.
When they saw Jesus and the man restored, they were not grateful for God’s deliverance. They were afraid. Most likely, the financial loss of the pigs scared them. But also, they seem to have been afraid of what having Jesus in their midst might mean to them. How would they have to change their way of living? What would it cost them?
APPLY
These same fears keep many from embracing Jesus today. And even Christians may sometimes hold Jesus away at arm’s length for fear – what will it cost me and what must I change to live in God’s near presence.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, I have chosen and continue to choose to live surrendered to your Word and will. May your close presence enable me and guide me each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.