Mark 5:16-17 (MSG) Those who had seen it told the others what had
happened to the demon-possessed man and the pigs. At first they were in awe—and
then they were upset, upset over the drowned pigs. They demanded that Jesus
leave and not come back.
The Message version of this passage gives us a bit more insight into
the hearts of the Gerasenes people. They had endured the destructive
and frightening behavior of the demon-possessed man for years. When Jesus
healed him by sending the demons into a herd of pigs, the pigs were crazed and
ran off a cliff to their death. In front of them now was a man healed and
whole, talking calmly with Jesus. At first, the people were amazed and drawn to
Jesus. Then, they saw the pig farmer’s loss. A destroyed herd of pigs obviously
had a devastating financial impact. What would being near Jesus cost them? Can
we relate to their fears? Have we seen the sacrifices others have endured
because of their faith – or the faith of others close to them – and we aren’t
sure we want to go that far? Do we want Jesus to take care of the bad stuff as
long as there is no impact on our current status of life? What’s your herd of
pigs? What are you afraid to lose if you truly follow Jesus? Are you so bold as
to ask Him to leave; or do you just quietly resist until you no longer hear His
call? As Christians, we must stop fearing the cost of following Jesus and look
to what is gained when people accept His healing grace of salvation. It’s worth
so much more than whatever our herd of pigs may be!
Father, I quickly judge these people in scripture and wonder how they
could choose to ask Jesus to leave. Yet, you ask me to takes a step further and
discover what my fears are that keep me from following Jesus completely. Open
my eyes and show me; give me the courage to make whatever changes I need to
make to be closer to Your son. I love You! Amen
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