Good morning beautiful; I hope this post finds you well rested and coffee in hand!
Start off by reading Matthew 8:28-34.
This is the passage that Jesus encounters the two demon possessed men. He casts out the demons and they run to the pigs, where they throw themselves into the lake and die. Sounds like a problem solved, right?
The peculiar thing about this passage is the crowd’s reaction to this miraculous deliverance. Verse 34 says, “Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.” Wait, what? After the healing..they wanted him to leave? These two men were violent in their possession. The passage described in verse 28, “They were so violent that no one could pass that way.” This means these men directly affected the people of this region. The same people who’s response to healing was to kindly plead with the Healer to get out?
As silly as this initially sounded to me, the Holy Spirit started to reveal my hypocrisy. I began to see a parallel to how I am with some of the sins and afflictions in my life and the townspeople’s response. Sometimes, we (yeah, I am bringing you in this because I hope I am not the only one) prefer to avoid the sins and afflictions all together because of their violent nature. However, when Jesus shines light in them to eradicate them from our lives, we react similarly to these people. We prefer to ignore or shield the “thing” instead of acknowledge the need for healing and deliverance. It can be shame, fear, selfishness or ignorance that drives the resistance.
I can think of a few times I reacted like the townspeople. I was limiting the power of God. Did I believe I would have fulfillment once the thorn was removed from my flesh? Did I believe the pruning would be too painful? Did I love the “thing” first? Thank you Jesus for grace.
“For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14.
Jesus promises rest, peace and wholeness. See Matthew 11:28, John 16:33, Romans 5:1 and John 10:10 for a reminder. But, he also said he came for the sick (unrighteous). Some sickness is so painful to get through. However, the healing is worth it. The wholeness is possible. The health is attainable. The grace is sufficient.
Lord, forgive me for shielding away the wounds that needed your attention most. Forgive me for limiting your limitless power. Heal and cleanse all darkness in me. You have done it before, you will do it again. You are faithful. I accept this healing. I love you and praise you for who you are! Amen.
Morning Joy 