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HEALED WITH LOVE
The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be
with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying: "Return to your home
and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away,
proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke reports many miracles
of Jesus, including this one. A man possessed of demons
approached Jesus. The man was naked and unkempt, bound in
chains, having seizures and foaming at the mouth. He had been
living in the tombs. Jesus asked his name, and the demons living
in the man replied, "Legion," meaning there were many of them.
The demons recognized Jesus and begged him not to throw them
into the abyss but rather to throw them into a herd of pigs
instead. Jesus did that. The pigs ran into the lake and drowned
Brothers and sisters, we, too, have free-wheeling demons within
us. They are the demons of hatred, anger, gossip, selfishness,
substance abuse and more - demons that make us do what we know
we shouldn't do.
Let us pray for God's grace and goodness. He will give us
strength to clear these actions out of our lives and give us his
peace. We can then stand up and tell everyone how Jesus has
healed us with his love.
Thank you, Lord. When we
stumble, you stand us up again. You give us strength to listen
to you and to do your will. Give us peace in our hearts. We
worship you and praise your holy name. Amen.
Twila Black |
