Our Scripture for today’s devotional is Matthew 8:28-34.
[28] When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
[29] “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
[30] In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. [31] So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
[32] “Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters.
[33] Those tending the pigs ran off into the town and reported all this, including the account of the demon-possessed men. [34] Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.
Reading this story showed me three great lessons for our hearts.
1. Even the Demons recognize the authority of Jesus.
It is amazing that our world is so full of people who do not recognize the authority of Jesus in their lives. Here, even the demons bowed before his authority.
2. Jesus has the power to deliver us from evil.
These two men had lives crippled by Satan. Look what Mark says about one of them, “This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:3-5)
Sin is devastating in our life, but Jesus has the power to help us escape evil.
4. Jesus respects our free will.
When the people asked Jesus to leave, He left. Jesus will not force His presence or His will upon us; we must choose to accept Him. If you want to follow Jesus, he will stay. If you want him out of your life, he will leave.
Lonnie Davis