Power and Pigs

Matthew 8:28-34

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

There are people who will see the power and God and ask it to leave.

Let that sink in. Here is the order of events:

1. God shows up (yes, he was technically already there for all you picky people.)
2. God does a miracle that brings healing
3. People freak out about some pigs
4. People tell God to go away

Oops. Sorta missed the point I think.

Sometimes, as humans, we miss the main plot point for a subplot. The pigs? Subplot. The healing of the men? Closer to the main point than the pigs but still not the main point. The power and grace of Jesus? Main plot point.

We have to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives and the world around us. Otherwise we are likely to see the pigs, miss the power and grace, and ask God to leave. And that, is a tragedy! 

Where in you life is the power of God at work? Where in your life are you or others worried about the pigs and need to see the power of God?

(As a last note, Jesus is lucky PETA wasn't around in his day. They would have jumped all over this one!)

Give me Christ or else I die!