Regional faith
Soul Snack 208/11 ... Regional faith
When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way ... Jesus said to the demons, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water ... Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. (Matt 8:28-34)
Two men now enjoyed freedom.
Violence had vanished from the region of the Gadarenes.
The graveyard had been restored to simply the dwelling place of the dead.
Order again present, safety and harmony were returned.
Even some pigs had gained a permanent water cleansing.
Jesus' words had restored peace and evil had fled from His presence - but these Gadarenes could not appreciate this. They begged Jesus to leave.
I gather they were consumed by the loss of pork and not the restoration of humans. Their only response to Jesus was one of rejection. Hmm ... is v34 the saddest verse in the Bible?
But how can I criticise these Gadarenes?
Every time I choose for sin I literally ask Jesus to depart from me.
Every time I choose to retain or pursue sin I am saying 'Jesus, I now require your temporary absence in my life'.
Every time I request Jesus' absence I am inviting evil's presence.
When I don't want Jesus in my region He too will surely leave.
Today's Soul Snippet:
Jesus came down so you could go up.