Luke 8:34-39
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read back over the first half of this story in Luke 8:26-33. Then read Luke 8:34-39 noting the way people react to the events.
When Jesus brought a widow’s son back to life in the middle of the funeral procession, the witnesses were filled with the kind of fear that unleashed praise (Luke 7:16). And when Jesus stilled a storm at sea, the disciples were struck with the type of fear that left them amazed in the presence of Jesus. In both those cases, fear of the unfamiliar led to a deeper reverence for Jesus. But as they observe a former demon-possessed man sitting calmly and sanely in front of Jesus, the people of the Genaseres are just plain scared.
When we encounter Jesus and witness his power in ways that are unfamiliar it can be unsettling. But if we allow him to, he will use even our uncertainty and discomfort to show us more of who he is.
Get quiet for a moment and still yourself in the presence of Jesus. Breathe in Jesus’ name and breathe out any other thoughts or tension you are carrying.
When you feel centered, talk with Jesus about your openness (or lack thereof) to knowing him in new ways.
Read Luke 8:34-39 again.
The people of the Genaseres are so disturbed by Jesus that they beg him to go away so they can return to their normal lives – even though prior to Jesus’ intervention their normal lives included the presence of a demon-tortured man among them. Only the man, who is experiencing true freedom and sanity for the first time in a long time, wants desperately to be with Jesus.
Sometimes our dysfunctional (but familiar) scars and chains seem more desirable than freedom and healing.
Take another moment or two to be still in Jesus’ presence and then consider the ways Jesus has brought healing and freedom in your life. Then ask Jesus to show you if there is anything to which you are clinging that is keeping you from being closer to him.
Now listen to Jesus for a while.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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