Scripture – Luke 8:38-39
The story in this text is found in the Synoptic Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke each recorded this encounter between Jesus and this demon-possessed man.
Jesus arrived by boat to the region of the Gerasenes – a Gentile country located on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, about 20 miles east of the Jordan River. Gerasa was also one of ten towns to form the Decapolis.
When Jesus arrived to the shore, he got out of the boat. As he got out of the boat, a man met him. This man was from the town of Gerasa. He was demon possessed. For a long time, he ran around naked. He was homeless. He lived in the graveyard among the dead.
Even though Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come of the man, others remained or more returned. And the demon drove the man into solitary places. Your demons can drive you to solitary places – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
This demon-possessed man encountered Jesus. He saw Jesus. He cried out to Jesus. He fell at Jesus’ feet. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!”
Who was speaking? Was it the man or was it the demon inside the man? Only one voice spoke and was heard. The man was possessed with many demons. Jesus asked, “What is your name?” and many demons replied. They all began to speak to Jesus.
Demons know their place when they are in the presence of the Divine Authority. Demons have no control unless they are given permission to be in control.
Control your demons until Jesus delivers you. Better yet, ask Jesus to deliver you from your demons of cursing, lying, gossiping, jealousy, envy, sexual immoralities, whatever possesses you!
When the town’s people came to Jesus, they found the man demon-free, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed in clothing, in his right mind and their reaction was fear. Some people would rather see you in your wrong mind than your right mind. As long as the man acted foolishly, ran around naked, as long as he was crazy, they were not afraid. But the moment the Lord blessed him, they became afraid.
Everybody is not praying for your healing, success, deliverance, anointing, for you to be blessed. Some folk are praying for your demise, dismissal, divorce, your departure, even your death! Watch out for the “lookiloos”! Many are demon-possessed and need to have an encounter with God!
Discover your greatness through an encounter with Jesus! You are not yourself until you have an encounter with Jesus. You are not who God intended you to be until you have an encounter with the Lord. You are not your best until you discover what God created you to be. Whatever condition you are in, Jesus can deliver you!
Live on purpose! Live a life of purpose! Discover your greatness! Make the rest of your life the best of your life!
Declare your greatness! If the Lord has ever done anything for you – declare it! Has the Lord ever gotten you out of a situation – declare it! When they said you would not make it, but you proved them wrong – declare it! Declare your greatness! Have courage, confidence, and conviction!
Discover divine greatness! Jesus is that someone you need to hear about and believe. Jesus is divine greatness! Discover divine greatness by living under divine authority of God’s Holy Spirit. Live under the power of Divine Greatness!
If you can’t (1) discover your greatness or (2) declare your greatness, allow Jesus to help you to bring it out. When Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed. Discover Divine Greatness!
The Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor is the senior pastor of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church in Los Angeles.
