A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

When everything changes, we have a decision to make: we can either embrace the change or run from it. Good change needs to be embraced.

This is a fascinating end to this story, because we are left with a few points to ponder: 1) Animals are not the same as humans, they were not made in God’s image like man, and so Jesus was willing to sacrifice these animals to the demons to protect this man and likely the townspeople. He made the right move, even though the townspeople dismissed him for it. 2) The formerly possessed man was now in his right mind, rescued from the demons; and he wanted to be by The One who rescued him. That is natural. But Jesus had other plans for him. He wanted him to tell his story to spread the good news about Jesus.

Sometimes Jesus has plans for us that we don’t have for ourselves. If we, in humility, accept his plans, we will, in glory, receive his great rewards! 3) The townspeople saw greatness, were initially totally bewildered, and then they decided to settle for mediocrity. In the presence of the greatness of Jesus, they chose to remain in the filth of their sinful ways. Who knows why they responded this way. Maybe they cared more about their income from the pigs, than the life of this man.

We see so much in this story: spiritual oppression and bondage, authority and power, the trade-offs in life (pigs for a human), fear, and the casting out of the hero for no fault of his own.

I think this is a good vignette of “life in ministry”. It is challenging. Circumstances can change. People you love on and care for may adore you or they may hate you. But our job is to point them to God and his will for their lives.

Will you fear positive change today or embrace it? Will you receive the gifts God has for you — gifts that transform you — or will you send them back to him in opened and unused, like the townspeople did?

Lord, thank you for teaching me to receive your good gifts and celebrate your power in life; even if your actions may create uncertainty. You will always lead the way and provide for your children!