Friday, August 10, 2007
Daily QT: 08/10/2007 Mark 5:14-17
14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
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4 comments:
I remember hearing a sermon that pointed out that the loss of the pigs was a huge financial loss to the village. (Although Daniel brought up a good point about Jews not eating pork. - hmmm. Did they sell the meat?) Anyway, I do think it's true that people like to go to God for their own needs - but they don't want to sacrifice anything themselves. People especially don't like being hit in their pocketbooks.
wow, thank u for this forum.
daniel sent this link to a group of us, and it's been so encouraging to read the reflections from scripture.
this morning, feeling a bit overwhelmed, i was very hungry for God's comfort through His Word. i think i likened myself to the chaotic nature of the possessed man, almost run by my schedule... but there he sat, prim and proper, because Jesus spoke His Word into him. i am comforted by the fear of Jesus that the people felt when encountering His power... reminds me that He is truly awesome and in control and worthy of reverent fear from all that exists. it brings me peace... all i have to do is submit. Lord, may today be a day of relenting in You
Dear Crispeelee,
Thank you so much for posting! I never thought of that - being comforted by the people's fear, because it showed how truly awesome He is. You're absolutely right. I think I often take my relationship with the Lord for granted, and I easily forget how truly awesome and frightening He is. It is truly by His grace alone that we are able to approach him.
now i'm starting to realize that these ~2,000 pigs serve multiple purposes in what jesus was trying to communicate to us: providing visible evidence of divine intervention; reflecting the severity of suffering involved with spiritual pain; demonstrating the potential material sacrifices involved with spiritual freedom, etc.
really interesting that the people started pleading for jesus' exit. reminds me of the saying "be careful what you wish for." people want mercy and grace -- but like everything else in life, they can't help wanting these things on their own terms.
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