Friends in Christ,
Matthew 8:28-34
The only thing more amazing than Jesus’ powerful action in this story is the people’s negative reaction. “The whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood” (Matthew 8:34).
What’s going on here? Jesus has freed two individuals from torment. The fuller account in Mark 5:1-20 gives additional details: Before encountering Jesus, the demoniac had terrifying strength and couldn’t be restrained, not even with chains. Afterward, he was “sitting there, clothed and in his right mind” (5:15)—and the people were afraid! How can a rational person sitting quietly be more terrifying than a possessed man screaming and wrenching chains apart?
The familiar has a powerful hold on us. We can learn to adjust our lives to any number of bizarre circumstances. Often we would rather keep those circumstances as they are. We’d rather not have them restored to normal, forcing us once more to modify the way we think and act. For example, a person who is hard of hearing may resist trying a hearing aid. Lipreading and turning up the volume on the television seem easier; hearing background noises for the first time may be very confusing. A child who has lived in an abusive family often says she would rather go home than live with foster parents. A person who is prejudiced against professionals of a certain race or gender will cheerfully travel farther or pay more to avoid consulting such a professional.
Jesus is very patient with us, but sometimes he must shake his head at our quirkiness. He longs to sweep away our familiar but irrational arguments and make things new. So be sure to listen for his voice in prayer. Try your best to be open to his revelation, especially when you are confronted with a new challenge to your faith. Don’t be like the townsfolk in today’s reading, who couldn’t handle Jesus’ surprises. Instead, keep an open mind and an open heart. God really does want to make all things new—including you!
“Jesus, you have the power to make all things new, including the way I think and act. Come and shine your light on my life to show me where I am missing the freedom you offer me.”
Amos 5:14-15,21-24; Psalm 50:7-13,16-17
What’s going on here? Jesus has freed two individuals from torment. The fuller account in Mark 5:1-20 gives additional details: Before encountering Jesus, the demoniac had terrifying strength and couldn’t be restrained, not even with chains. Afterward, he was “sitting there, clothed and in his right mind” (5:15)—and the people were afraid! How can a rational person sitting quietly be more terrifying than a possessed man screaming and wrenching chains apart?
The familiar has a powerful hold on us. We can learn to adjust our lives to any number of bizarre circumstances. Often we would rather keep those circumstances as they are. We’d rather not have them restored to normal, forcing us once more to modify the way we think and act. For example, a person who is hard of hearing may resist trying a hearing aid. Lipreading and turning up the volume on the television seem easier; hearing background noises for the first time may be very confusing. A child who has lived in an abusive family often says she would rather go home than live with foster parents. A person who is prejudiced against professionals of a certain race or gender will cheerfully travel farther or pay more to avoid consulting such a professional.
Jesus is very patient with us, but sometimes he must shake his head at our quirkiness. He longs to sweep away our familiar but irrational arguments and make things new. So be sure to listen for his voice in prayer. Try your best to be open to his revelation, especially when you are confronted with a new challenge to your faith. Don’t be like the townsfolk in today’s reading, who couldn’t handle Jesus’ surprises. Instead, keep an open mind and an open heart. God really does want to make all things new—including you!
“Jesus, you have the power to make all things new, including the way I think and act. Come and shine your light on my life to show me where I am missing the freedom you offer me.”
Amos 5:14-15,21-24; Psalm 50:7-13,16-17
With every good wish in Christ,
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