Matthew – God’s Purposes
The fallen angel and his demon army knows Jesus better than we know him. He was with him in heaven before he fell. He fell because he wanted to be God, to take God’s place. He is still trying to take God’s place in our hearts, minds and souls. We see it in the lives of some students that we teach. We see it in some of our family members. We see it at our churches, places of business and pretty much everywhere. We see it in us from time to time until we realize what is going on and put a stop to this insanity.
Yes, it is insane to follow someone who wants to destroy you versus One who gives Life abundant now and forever. We all are demon possessed from time to time, I think, until we see God for Who He is, humble ourselves before Him, repent of all our sin, not holding anything back, believe and accept His Son as the Giver of Life, our Savior and our Lord. Being LORD, the One and Only in control of our lives is key.
Jesus will guide us into God’s purposes for us. Sometimes we think what He asks is too much. But when we consider the alternative and what Jesus did for us, then we know nothing is too much when God takes control.
Jesus has confronted evil head on in this next passage. It is a strange passage to us. He sends the devil and his demons packing into a herd of pigs. Obviously, this is not a Jewish community to have hogs as a way of earning a living. So when Jesus does this miraculous healing of two men who are tormenting the neighborhood, they can only look at their economy of living going over the edge of the cliff. The community comes to Jesus, not to accept Him but to ask him to leave. Who Jesus is and Who He represents is just too much for them.Matthew 8, NKJV
Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed
28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”
32 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
33 Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.
QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT:Is Jesus too much for you? Is Jesus too much for us? For me? Were the healed men afraid to talk about how Jesus changed their lives? No, they were the talk of the town! Are we overwhelmed by His power? Do we shy away when He asks us to join Him in His work to seek and to save the lost? He gave us authority, his authority, to go out into the world, preaching and teaching His word, His story to all nations. Is this task too much to ask? What or who are we afraid of? Who is guiding us? Who is guiding this fear and timidness?
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are Lord, God, the Maker of Heaven and earth and all that is in it. You created us. You gave us life through Jesus Christ, Your Son. You continue to give us guidance and the provisions to tell your story. Be our strength, wisdom, insight and understanding. Open our mouths and let Your words pour out as You promised they would through Your Holy Spirit in us. You overwhelm us at times with your power and relentless love and care but you are not too much for me. Go with us this day as we teach.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 