People above Pigs
Lenten Devotional Day 8
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:26-39
But Jesus sent him away saying, “Return to your home and declare how much God has done for you.” Luke 8:39
We all have those days when we just don’t feel like ourselves. We wake up irritable and things just do not go as planned. We feel out of sorts and out of control. Something just doesn’t seem right. But our days can not compare to the man in today’s story.
This man was possessed by demons. At times he would be chained when the people of the city tried to contain him. When he escaped he would live naked outside of the city in the tombs (caves). When Jesus asked his name he responded “Legion” which typically referred to a Roman army of about 6000. THIS guy had not felt like himself for a LONG time. When Jesus commanded the demons to leave the man and enter the pigs (who then rushed into the lake and drowned), the man was once again in his right mind and wanted to follow Jesus.
This is where the typical celebration of miracles took an unusual turn. When the people of the city heard about the man and the possessed pigs, they banded together, but not for good. They wanted Jesus away from their city, away from their shores. Were these people just afraid of Jesus’ incredible power? Or were they more concerned about losing the drove of pigs (about 2000 according to the book of Mark)? Were they afraid that Jesus’ next action would destroy other property or possessions? They should have been happy for this man who was no longer being traumatized and driven by demons. Instead they were placing property over people.
Jesus was suffering rejection by the same people He had been willing to teach and heal. He understood that all of their property, all of their profit (and ours as well) is temporary. People are eternal. The only thing worth saving in this world is a person’s soul. We need to keep this in mind on those ‘wrong side of the bed days’. What really accounts for a bad day? Something that is not going ‘our way’? Or is it a bad day when miss an opportunity to share the Good News? Or we miss a chance to help someone in need? Let us walk the path of Jesus and place people over pigs (property).
Self Application Ideas
Take a moment and do the smallest of good deeds for someone – a pay it forward opportunity or a simple encouraging text mesaage
Prayer
Lord, Give me the constant mindset and heart to prioritize people over property. May I live each day to glorify God and continue the great commission of making disciples of all people, teaching them about your Word and your love, declaring all of wonderful things you have done for me. Amen