The Gospel of Luke 8:34-35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.” (Luke 8:34-35 KJV).

These passages reveal the unexpected reaction of the people of the country of Gadarenes, also referred to as Gerasenes. Or, perhaps, as its name references meant fortified or walled and to drive out, respectively, the response is probably what’s to be expected. In a right frame of mind though to see a fellow countryman that suffered a longtime being possessed by legion of demons restored in right mind, they should all be celebrating. And, they should also be thankful to the person instrumental for such miraculous feat! But, what we learn from these passages, they were fearful! The herdsmen of the pigs flee in terror and tell the people of the city and of the country about the event.

The dramatic result of the demons being cast to the herd of pigs, we see the possessed man now dressed and in his right mind sitting at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. The onlookers that gathered, with some responding of the news spread by the herdsmen, are afraid at this transformation. That fear is amplified when they realize the swine were destroyed after the demons entered them. This gathering may have taken sometime to build up bringing them together from the countrywide. But then they managed to gather together quickly, considering. They view this event a major economic threat to their livestock industry. They would have probably prefer the status quo, with a possessed man suffering, than their pig industry ruined. It’s amazing though that the demons opted to be cast into the pigs and not the sheep. Pigs are considered unclean by the Jews. On the other hand, this country is inhabited by mostly non Jews or Gentiles and probably not into sheep farming.

“Sitting at the feet of Jesus” the healed man is found. This reminds of Mary, the sister of Martha, the family that Jesus loved, along with their brother Lazarus (John 11:5). One instance in other accounts of Luke, the Lord Jesus was in their home teaching. Martha was busy in the kitchen. She chose to be occupied with serving her guests, while Mary chose to sit at the feet of the Lord Jesus listening Him teach. That’s where this newly healed man is and that’s the place we should be, too. By reflecting on these Words now, we are at the right place! Agitated, Martha complaining asks the Lord to tell Mary to help her. “But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

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