A Tormented World

Matthew 8:28-34 is a strange story. But not much different from so many people today. Consider the response in this account of the demon-possessed man of the Gergesenes. First, there was a recognition

of the truth—“What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (v. 29) How can anyone so tormented focus on things getting worse when Jesus Christ shows up? A person can be so used to a situation that it seems normal. We know it was the demon speaking, in much the same way that drugs or alcohol influence the addicted person today. The demons recognized Jesus. They also knew that there was an appointed time of judgment for them. Second, there was a request for mercy—“And the demons begged him, saying, ‘If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.’” (v. 31) They tried to cut a deal with Him, from their sin. Third, there was a reliance on deception—“So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.” (v. 32) They only wanted to go into the swine in order to avoid being chained in the abyss for judgment. Was what the demons did any different than what people do all the time? When in a crisis, people try to cut deals with God, making big promises. When God shows them mercy, they forget the commitment. Fourth, there was a resistance to grace—“All the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.” (v. 34) We see this in church all the time. People are attracted by the things that the Lord is doing. When they realize how far their lives are from where Jesus calls them to be, they leave. If they are unwilling to submit to His lordship, it is uncomfortable to be with believers: conviction! Church is the last place you want to be when you choose to continue in your sin.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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