This morning I read… Matthew 8

The Madmen and the Pigs

^28-31They landed in the country of the Gadarenes and were met by two madmen, victims of demons, coming out of the cemetery. The men had terrorized the region for so long that no one considered it safe to walk down that stretch of road anymore. Seeing Jesus, the madmen screamed out, “What business do you have giving us a hard time? You’re the Son of God! You weren’t supposed to show up here yet!” Off in the distance a herd of pigs was browsing and rooting. The evil spirits begged Jesus, “If you kick us out of these men, let us live in the pigs.”

^32-34Jesus said, “Go ahead, but get out of here!” Crazed, the pigs stampeded over a cliff into the sea and drowned. Scared to death, the swineherds bolted. They told everyone back in town what had happened to the madmen and the pigs. Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not come back.

My thoughts…

Jesus showed up and performed a miracle and the people pleaded for him to leave. They were concerned more about the pigs then the demon possessed men. They cared more about their regular way of life than when Jesus showed up and did a miracle. Do we do that? Do we get uncomfortable when God shakes things up in our lives? Do we care more about our stuff than God doing His work in people’s lives? Do we get scared when He shows up?

My prayer…

Dear Father, pull us out of our comfortable, boring, fat and happy lives so that we may not miss out on your Glory… your healing power in our lives. Release us from bondage to money and possessions so that we may care more for the souls of people around us who are crying out. Allow us to enjoy money and possessions but… because they are your blessings and not because we worship them more than you. We don’t want to run you out of town when you show up to love and care for us. Amen.