Matthew 8:24-34, Luke 8:26, Mark 5:1-20
Immediately after landing from the sea, a man approached Jesus whose thoughts run wild. Crazy and half out-of-his-mind. He lived among the tombs and no one could contain him, not even with a chain. Night and day his demons tormented him. You would say he is insane.
With the strength of an ox, he broke through his shackles. His closest friend is fear. Wherever he went, he was restless. Weary. Tired. Thoughts run wild.
And then one day, from afar, his demons recognize Jesus. They run towards him and fall at his feet yelling, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?”
Son of God…what was it they saw?
Jesus’ appearance was ordinary, and yet something about Him stood out. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder” (James 2:19). Could it be there truly is a spiritual world? What did the demons see?
Jesus asks, “What is your name?” And the demon replies, “Legion, for we are many.” And then something extraordinary happens.
Just a Word
The demons beg to stay in the country and see a herd of 2,000 pigs nearby. And with a word, simply a word…Jesus demands the unclean spirits to “Go.” The demons overtake the pigs, causing them to rush off a cliff and into the sea below.
Sending shockwaves throughout the community, people gather around to see. Could it be true…this once crazy man was now completely healed and calm?
Go and Tell
Of course, the man wants to go with Jesus, and yet, he is told to stay. “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Sometimes we can have the most impact on those who see our lives change.
When Thoughts Run Wild
This story provides us an incredible example of what our minds and emotions look like. Scattered. Scared. and Plentiful. Our thoughts can drive us wild. However, may we remember, Jesus is always in charge. All we must do is call out to Him.
What is it today that is demonizing you? Go ahead and call it out by name. Ask Jesus to change you! Yes, He still is a God of great miracles! Demons speak of death and destruction, but Jesus brings life and hope. It is time for us to walk out of the tomb and start living as a child of God, set-free.
Demons – Jesus
Death – Life
Fear – Hope
Anger – Peace
Worry – Safety
Confusion – Clarity
Tombs – Birth
Pain – Blessing
Sick – Health
Sin – Forgiveness
Dark – Glory
Rage – Calm
When thoughts run wild, go ahead and call them out by name. Ask Jesus to heal you and make you tomb-free. Take a step of faith and start living this way!