Jesus journeys outside of his home area where he encounters a man who is possessed by a large number of demons. When seized by the demons, the man is violent and dangerous to himself and the community. The people there have tried shackles and chains to contain him, but nothing works. The man has lived alone in the tombs, hopeless, naked and tormented by the demons. When Jesus arrives, he is recognized by the demons as the “Son of the Most High God” and they beg to be cast into a nearby herd of swine when they are cast out of the man. Jesus agrees, and the animals rush into the lake and drown. The ones tending the swine run into the city and the county and tell what has happened. The people come and when they see the man, now free from demon possession, clothed and in his right mind and sitting at Jesus’ feet, they are afraid and beg Jesus to leave them. Jesus goes, after telling the man he has healed to return home and tell what God has done for him.
This is a wacky story, with a crowd of demons possessing a man, a herd of swine who are killed by possession, and neighbors who are overwhelmed by the dangerous and frightening situation. The man has been trapped in a horrible state for a long time. Jesus frees him from this torment, returning him to life. The people who have been trying unsuccessfully to manage the unmanageable situation with chains and shackles, have become accustomed to this poor man living (if that’s we can call it) in the tombs, struggling with the violent demons. They’ve found an imperfect solution that keeps the man away from the community, and they have more confidence in their broken shackles and chains than in the healing Jesus brings. The people are terrified and are not able to place hope in Jesus and his power over the demons. Perhaps it seems too good to be true.
Fear can be awfully powerful. It can limit our vison, cloud our judgement, and keep us from embracing changes that could bring new beginnings. Fear can exhaust us and short-circuit the creativity and hope that leads to transformation. God can fill a difficult situation with healing and new life. Setting aside fear can be a difficult, drawn-out process, yet God will walk with us as we try to move beyond fear into the hope and potential that lies ahead.
Peace to you, my friends.
Alicia
Weekly Prayer | Jesus encounters man with so many demons in Luke 8