Pray:
Father, all my life is Yours. There is nothing that I hold back from Your cleansing rivers.
Read:
Matthew 8:28-34
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.
Pray:
You speak a word and chains fall and lives are changed forever. Speak Your word through me.
