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Opening Prayer
Father, all my life is Yours. There is nothing that I hold back from Your cleansing rivers.
Read Matthew 8:28-34
[28] When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. [29] “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” [30] Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. [31] The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” [32] He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. [33] Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. [34] Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What may have caused the people to react as they did?This remarkable spiritual healing (28-32) shows us that Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm is absolute (29,32). The area had become a no-go zone because of two men in the grip of possession, overwhelmed by powerful and destructive urges (28). Yet all it took was one word (32) from Jesus and they were set free from the forces that oppressed them and the urges that overwhelmed them. The location of this miracle sends a message, too. As Jesus goes to a region heavily influenced by Gentiles and their pagan practices, we see that his spiritual authority extends beyond the borders of Israel, beyond the boundaries of the Jewish faith. How reassuring to know that his compassion for the spiritually sick and his power to bring spiritual cleansing extends beyond God’s chosen people into the lives of Gentiles (28). The response of the Gadarenes is more sobering (34). Jesus may work in love and power in people’s lives, cleansing and restoring those no-go zones, but they still might decide to send him away.
Apply
Ask the Lord to come to those you know who are in bondage and to bring spiritual cleansing, healing and wholeness.
Closing prayer
You speak a word and chains fall and lives are changed forever. Speak Your word through me.
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