Run Demon, Run!

I was reading the Biblical story of Jesus releasing the demon possessed man and casting the legion of demons into the pigs. It's a short story but is jammed packed with important points and lessons. It raised questions in my mind; I sought answers in reading a few commentaries.

Why did these people have pigs? Jews consider them unclean and would in no way have a herd of pigs. It became clear these were Gentiles. Jesus waged war against demons and won in front of Gentiles. The fact Jesus landed near the tombs, another Jewish no-no, reinforces this. Jews would not go rushing out to an unclean burial ground concerned about unclean pigs. While He was standing in forbidden places, Jesus interacted with the Gentiles, people not following Mosaic Law, people with whom Jews were forbidden to socialize. Jesus does not discriminate.

It was obvious the demons KNEW who Jesus was when they said, "What do you want from me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore you by God not to torment me." According to Revelation 20:10 Satan and the demons will be cast into a lake of burning sulfur at the end of time. These demons are acknowledging that they knew Jesus and his power. They know what will become of them and who will be in charge of the whole sentencing. 

There is relevance in Jesus asking, "What is your name?" In the day of that culture, having someone's name was personal. By demanding the name, He was showing who was in control. They could have lied but they knew with whom they were dealing.

These are just a few points of the story but look at what we've covered so far. Jesus was walking and interacting with unclean people. He wasn't sitting among Jewish religious leaders when He dealt with authority over the spirit of darkness; He walked among those considered unworthy to hang around. His location was not happenstance. He purposed to go there. Jesus went to the outcasts, and faced the demonic hold head on. By these actions, He is telling us several things. First of all, if the Lord Himself goes against society’s rules to reach those that have been banned, pushed aside, considered outcasts, or not up to par for the culture, why do we stop short in going to them ourselves? How often do we modern day Christians purpose to go to the unclean people walking in darkness?

Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over the evil spiritual realm. He is showing us who is the boss and who the demons answer to. Should we be afraid of them? No. We should be respectful of the power they possess and humble in knowing that we do not have the power in ourselves to defeat them. However, through the Holy Spirit, the name of Jesus, and the presence of God no demonic force can stand against a believer. 

Sadly, the demons do not rush out trembling in fear of the power in every Christian. More Christians walk in fear of the demons, scared to venture into spiritual strongholds. People, we say we are joint heirs with Christ, yet we act like more like the orphans living and hiding in the streets. We need arm ourselves with the Holy Spirit, cast out demons in the name of Jesus confident that we are in the presence of God; there is no power on earth or beyond that stands a chance. Walk in authority, not fear. Look out, demons, here we come!