Day #11: January 11, 2009 - Matthew 8:14-34

As Jesus entered Peter’s house in Capernaum, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. Jesus’ touch brought healing from the fever, but a further miracle was also evident. The woman was also given strength to get up from her bed and immediately be involved in work, waiting on the Lord and the many disciples who were still actively following Him.

As Jesus stayed in Peter’s home, many... demon-possessed people were brought to Him. Matthew simply recorded that Jesus healed them all, in fulfillment of words spoken through... Isaiah (Isa. 53:4). His taking our infirmities and carrying our diseases was finally accomplished on the cross in His death. But in anticipation of that event, Jesus performed many definite acts of healing in His ministry. By casting out demons, Jesus demonstrated His power over Satan, ruler of the demon world (Matt. 9:34; 12:24).

A teacher of the Law (a scribe) came to Jesus and, seemingly without thinking, blurted out, Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go. Though Jesus desired disciples who would follow Him and work in His harvest fields, He wanted only those who were properly motivated. Jesus’ reply to this scribe demonstrated His lowly character for He, in contrast with animals such as foxes and birds, did not even have a place where He could lay His head at night. He had no permanent home. The Lord obviously knew the heart of this person and saw that he desired fame in following a prominent Teacher. Such was not Jesus’ character.

This is the first of numerous times Jesus referred to Himself or was called by others the Son of Man (29 times in Matt., 14 in Mark, 24 in Luke, 13 in John). It points to Jesus as the Messiah (Dan. 7:13-14). A second man, already a disciple of Jesus, requested that he be permitted to return home and bury his father. This man’s father was not dead or even at the point of death. This disciple was simply saying he wanted to return home and wait until his father died. Then he would return and follow Jesus. His request demonstrated he felt discipleship was something he could pick up or lay down at will. He put material concerns ahead of Jesus, for he apparently wanted to receive the estate when his father died. Jesus’ response, Let the dead bury their own dead, showed that following Him carried with it the highest priority. Jesus said that the physically dead could be cared for by those who are spiritually dead.

A more detailed account of Jesus’ authority in the demonic realm is seen in these verses. Jesus arrived in the region of the Gadarenes. The name “Gadarenes” comes from the town of Gadara, the capital of the region about eight miles southeast of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. There Jesus met two demon-possessed men. Mark and Luke wrote of one demon-possessed man, but they did not say only one. Presumably one of the two was more violent than the other.
The influence of the demons on these men was obvious for they were wild, violent men, forced out of the city and living in a graveyard (tombs). The demons’ two questions implied they knew who Jesus is—the Son of God—and also that His coming would ultimately mean their doom (Matt. 8:29). Rather than being forced to become disembodied spirits, the demons requested permission to enter a nearby large herd of pigs. Mark stated that this herd numbered “about 2,000” (Mark 5:13).

As soon as the demons entered them, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, the Sea of Galilee, and drowned. Obviously, those keeping the herd were frightened and went into the nearby town to report this incredible event. The people of the town went out, and because of fear (Luke 8:37), pleaded with Jesus to leave their region.

SO WHAT? ( what will I do what I have read?)

Wholehearted, fully devoted followers is what Jesus is looking for and what He deserves. I'm reminded of what David said to Solomon, in his final days on this earth -

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)

Lord, continue to develop this in me and in Sharon and the kids. Lord, protect them from being church kids or nice kids or even good kids. Lord may they love you with all their heart and all their soul and all their minds and all their strength. Father, help me demonstrate that wholehearted devotion to our them and to our people. Not in some pompous, pious way, but in a humble, authentic way. Not with my words, but with my actions. Protect me and our people - prevent us from being superficial and fake and lukewarm.

(Jesus) "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

Lord, work in the hearts of our people. Lord, today, draw people into a wholehearted walk with you. Speak to them. Of all the voices that call for their time and commitment, may they hear Your voice louder and more clear than any of the others. Today Lord, give me your power and strength to finish all I need to for worship this morning. May my words be Your words.
May I be a blessing to everyone I come in contact with. Heal my back. Folks who are contemplating skipping worship or sleeping in, may Your spirit rouse them out of bed. Lord you are worthy.

PRAYER

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." James 5:16-18 (NIV)

Father today, I trust you for a miracle. By faith I trust that you will speak to hearts and change lives. Do a mighty work today. Encourage and inspire the people of COV today. Soften hard hearts. Make clear your purpose and path. Draw people to you.

(Jesus) "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." John 12:32 (NIV)

Do a miracle in some marriages this morning. Give parents the courage and the fortitude to require their kids to be at church this morning. (as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord) Open the hearts of those kids to Your love and Mercy and grace.