WIND, WAVES AND DEMONS

Luke 8:22-25; Luke 8:28-35

These two scripture portions tell the story of the power of Jesus over nature and over the devil. It is worth noting, that Jesus had sufficient authority over two of the most destructive forces which threaten human life and health. Of course, when you believe in the divinity of Christ it is not difficult to believe in both of these miracles. The believer has total confidence in the creative Christ and accepts the fact that He has power over His creation. The believer also knows that Jesus has authority over the devil because He is the Son of God. In fact, John records the opposition of Jesus to the devil in his first epistle: (1 John 3:8 KJV) "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

The symbolic application of the storm is very meaningful. Whereas, the disciples were in real peril as the storm threatened them, we are often in real peril when the storms of life rage around us. Whether the violence of the storm is caused by natural circumstances or spiritual attacks, the ability of Christ to stop the storm is still effective today.

 

Storms create two possibilities.
    1. Try to correct the crisis.
    2. Panic about the crisis.
    3. Curse the crisis.
    1. Know where He is.
    2. State the problem. Don't "spiritualize."
    3. Be prepared for victory.
    4. Learn from His gentle rebuke.

 

 

LEGION

The compassion of Jesus is prominent in this mighty demonic deliverance. Upon seeing the man, Jesus immediately began casting the demons out of him. The demons begged that He not send them into the abyss (or the bottomless pit) but rather into a herd of swine. For reasons known only to Him, he honored their request. The swine plunged to their death into a lake. When the townspeople came to see, they found the man healed, clothed and sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Wonderful miracle – right?

It was a wonderful miracle for the possessed man but the people became angry and commanded that Jesus leave their land. The rational of their demands presents some interesting insights into the human heart.

THE MAN LIVES – THE PIGS DIE

They were fearful of His power. (unbelievers are often fearful)

They apparently were angry at the loss of the pigs. (material things still control people)

The man who was touched by the miracle. (the miracle-less have nothing to tell)

 

A personal observation :

Jesus was (and still is) always concerned about the spiritual needs of people. He never allowed anything to diminish the value of person. In our present society, men and women’s lives and souls are considered expendable if their needs interfere with the social value system. We live in a touch-less, care-less world where possessions, positions, and politics determine the worth of an individual.

Political correctness is wrong for all the right reasons. As Christians, we must not allow ourselves to fall into this terrible trap which makes humans less valuable than birds, whales, animals and trees. All things are not equal in value to a man’s soul. The devil has always wanted man to believe that he was just like any other creature – thereby invalidating the sacrifice of Jesus.

Always remember this: The blood of Jesus was spilled on Calvary for the salvation of the human soul. He did not die for trees, whales, pigs, nature or any other creature. If you get this right, you will never foul up your value system.