“Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.” (Matt 8:33-34)
What could be worse than pleading for God (in human form) to leave your city and region? In the scripture above that is exactly what one whole town did, but why? We know there were two men possessed by demons so violent no one could pass by there. Moreover, some people in the area were pig herders, presumably an unusual and offensive occupation for that area of the world. What did the towns folk think about the two demon possessed men? They didn’t seem to express any joy in their recovery. Were they satisfied to let the demonized men do whatever they wanted? Was their offense toward Yeshua connected solely to the loss of their pigs? Is there any connection between those in the town and those who reject the presence of God? What other deliverance, healing, or forgiveness would Yeshua have given, if He was welcomed?
Nashville Tennessee was a filthy town in the 1800’s where prostitution was legal and alcohol abuse promoted. When an evangelist came to Nashville and preached Yeshua’s message of salvation and redemption, the prostitutes, drunkards and a riverboat captain who was profiting from the wickedness accepted the Good News of Jesus. The entire town was transformed and a revival warranted building a large meeting house to accommodate those who were coming to hear and worship. Decades later Nashville would be called the “Buckle of the Bible Belt” as a result of it’s many Christian schools and organizations. Very recently in Nashville a demonized girl who thought she was a man, violently killed six innocent people, three of whom were innocent children. The police uncovered information on the killer’s intentions and purposes, but after stating it would be made public, it has been hidden. A spiritual battle is being fought over this town’s future and whether Yeshua will continue to be welcome or asked to leave.
How about your town? Would your community welcome the Son of God or beg Him to leave the area? What is being tolerated in your town and what is the most important focus of the population. Will the future be influenced more by demonic violence and profits from illicit businesses or the presence of God coming to set captives free? Yeshua (Jesus’ Hebrew name) will upset the status quo, but He will also bring God’s goodness which will endure for generations. (Ps. 145:3-5) Love never ends and God’s favor lasts a lifetime. (Ps 30:5)
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