Protecting the Pig Farm

April 14

(Luke 8:34-37 NIV) “When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, {35} 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. {36} Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. {37} 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.”

(Isaiah 53:3-6 NIV) “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. {4} Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. {5} But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. {6} We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

(Matthew 21:42-43 NIV) ““Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone ; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? {43} "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.””

It’s hard to imagine anyone rejecting Jesus, but it happens all the time. Jesus does something good, and is rewarded by being thrown out of town. When His lordship messes with our means of making money, rejection is often our reaction. His deliverance is not always welcomed. When His power begins to change our life, we may be tempted to send Him away. Our sovereign God gave us a free will, and Jesus will not stay where He is not welcome. If we reject Him, He will respect our wishes… even for eternity. Jesus is willing and able to deal with your demons today. Will you allow Him to drive the darkness from your life, or will you protect your pig farm? Just remember: pigs never get cleaner. They wallow with you, on you, and in you, until eventually you smell and look just like them. Is this what you want? Will you let Christ set you free? Or will you tell Him to get out of town? Make a decision. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day