Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
What were they afraid of here?
If you have read the story, this man was Legion, possessed of many devils. This is the story of the herd of pigs that threw themselves off a cliff into the lake and died. The report went out into the town from the men who owned the pigs. These men lost their herd.
Is it possible that the fear is directly related to fear of loss? Is it part of a sinners concern that if they should surrender to Jesus and make Him Lord, that they would lose something worldly?
This is fear of the unknown by the unlearned. This man did not own the pigs. He was living in the tombs, among the dead. When people see others come into their right mind, it is fearful for them. They don’t understand what has happened so they relate to the miracle brought by God on their own terms, in their own understanding.
When I came into my right mind the change was so dramatic some thought I had lost my mind. They were comfortable dealing with me the sinner but became fearful of the new creature who listen to God and was no longer party to their behavior. They feared they might suffer loss if they continued to hang around me. Sinners do not like to see sinners stop old behaviors. It makes them fear for themselves.
This is our first witness when we come into our right minds. They see us at the feet of Jesus and no longer hanging out with them. I was no longer hanging out with the dead. The tombs lost one of its occupants.
Nothing shakes up the dead like one of them getting up and walking out.
Simply awesome! So well said. Thx.
In verse 27, we need to realize that the man who was “possessed” at least recognized his dilemma. What little Greek I know, “demonized” would be a more correct term. Possession indicates 100%. This man was badly tormented, to be sure, but he knew the fix.
My wife and I have ministered to drug addicts who were in the grip of satan, but they had presence of mind to reach out for help. “The Name of Jesus” comes with an authority that must be obeyed by demon spirits. There is a first step, however, and that is to lead the individual in the sinner’s prayer. You can not command demons to vacate their dwelling place unless first they have given authority through their consent (the sinner’s prayer). Then things move rapidly.
Just my two cents.
Ern, these devotionals cannot cover every aspect nor are the really meant for teaching, but to look at related aspects of behavior, thoughts and situations as they might relate to our own lives.
I really did not address Legion himself but the fear of others.