20150915 WALKING WITH OR TALKING ABOUT JESUS?

WALKING WITH OR TALKING ABOUT JESUS?

Matthew 8:28-34 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met Him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.  (29)  They began screaming at Him, "Why are You interfering with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torture us before God's appointed time?"  (30)  There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance.  (31)  So the demons begged, "If You cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."  (32)  "All right, go!" Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.  (33)  The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men.  (34)  Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged Him to go away and leave them alone.

Here we have a couple of guys who have been aggravated by demons for quite some time. The demons have been ruling their lives and making them violent men, so much so that no one would even go into that area. Then… Jesus shows up. They know Who He is and they fear Him greatly.

There are many stories about demons in the Gospels. The thing I find important here is that when Jesus is around there’s nothing to fear. We have been given authority over the demons. The key is to be walking with Jesus, not just talking about Jesus.

One day as a preteen I was playing in the park across from our house. A gang of boys who were acting the part of bullies showed up and started picking a fight with me. I was always small (back then) and I was vastly outnumbered. As the leader was trying to berate me into throwing the first punch I just stood there because Dad always told me, “Don’t you throw the first punch, but don’t be afraid to throw the second.”

Suddenly a look of fear crossed the bullies face and all of the group took a step back. Unbeknownst to me my brother who is 4 years older than me and quite a bit larger stepped up behind me. After they all stepped back he asked, “Steven, are you alright?” The bullies all scattered and I said, “I think I’m fine… now.”

I think of that story often when dealing with the attacks of the enemy. My God is bigger and He has promised not to leave me nor forsake me.

Please take this warning to heart. Those who just talk about Jesus but don’t walk with Him will find themselves in grave danger if they attempt to take on demons. Read Acts 19:13-17.

Father in heaven, thank You that You are always with us. Thank You that we can trust You to be bigger and more powerful than all the demons of hell. Help us to truly walk with Jesus and fill us with Your Holy Spirit power to deal with the enemy whenever he raises his ugly head. May the enemy tremble when they see us coming because You are always with us. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!