Jesus & his disciples have their own encounter with bacon that stood out so much that Matthew, Mark, and Luke all included it in their gospel accounts. Mark records it in Chapter 5, verses 1 -20. In this account, I think we can observe four truths that are applicable in our lives today.
After a terrifying trip across about 13 miles of the turbulent Sea of Galilee, Jesus and the twelve come ashore on the souteastern coast in the region known as the Gadarenes. Here, Jesus is confronted by a man possessed by a demon that has driven him mad and away from family & friends to live in the tombs in the hillsides. Even there, the evil spirit still works to ruin the man. Though folks tried to restrain him from doing so, they were unable to keep him from roaming the hills at night, cutting himself with stones, and crying out in anguish. But look what happens when he sees Jesus:
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. (Mark 5:6-17)
Four Observations for Life:
1. Satan's Ultimate Purpose is Destruction & Death
We really do have an enemy. While the grace of God restrains Satan's efforts on men & women, his vile objective is vividly revealed when his evil spirit enters the pigs. Destruction & Death.
2. We are Mostly Pessimistic of God's Power
Instead of thrilling those who witnessed this miracle, "they were afraid." Why so? I think it's because we fear anything that is beyond our perceived control. God is definitely that. God is good. And God is Love. But you can't box God in - - and that scares us.
3. Our Focus is Often Faulty
The people who came from all around saw the man - finally, miraculously, healed & in his right mind - and they were told about the destruction of the pigs. And, apparently, they chose to focus on the pigs (since they ask Jesus to leave). How often we ignore the many blessings we are given in order to focus on a few problems. Too often we shut our eyes & hearts to people and spend our emotions & energies on things!
4. We Often Desire Distance from Jesus
When confronted with a Holy, Compassionate King, our sin & hatred are too apparent for us to tolerate. Our choices are two: Either be strong & honest with ourself & with God and repent -OR- Pull away and try to hide our destructive actions & attitudes from ourselves. These people begged Jesus to leave. To our detriment, our choice is often the same.
Bacon is good with pancakes, eggs, gravy, and biscuits. It's great in bed! But never is Bacon better than when it is used by God to reveal truth to us and draw us to Him.
It's a Challenge.
This is Challenge Pointe.
Semper Fidelis,
Doug
