Mercy Toward the Demoniacs

[Daily Devotional]

Mercy Toward the Demoniacs 

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes,
there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding
fierce. Matt. 8:28. 

In the early morning the Saviour and His companions came to shore. . . . But
no sooner had they stepped upon the beach than their eyes were greeted by a
sight more terrible than the fury of the tempest. From some hiding place
among the tombs, two madmen rushed upon them as if to tear them in pieces. .
. . 

The disciples and their companions fled in terror; but presently they
noticed that Jesus was not with them. . . . He was standing where they had
left Him. He who had stilled the tempest .. . did not flee before these
demons. . . . {LHU 84.3}

With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them. His words
penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. .. . A marvelous
change had come over the demoniacs. Light had shone into their minds. Their
eyes beamed with intelligence. The countenances, so long deformed into the
image of Satan, became suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands were quiet, and
with glad voices the men praised God for their deliverance. . . . 

The people of Gergesa had before them the living evidence of Christ's power
and mercy. They saw the men who had been restored to reason; but they were
so fearful of endangering their earthly interests that He who had vanquished
the prince of darkness before their eyes was treated as an intruder, and the
Gift of heaven was turned from their doors. . . . 

But far different was the feeling of the restored demoniacs. They desired
the company of their deliverer. In His presence they felt secure from the
demons that had tormented their lives and wasted their manhood. As Jesus was
about to enter the boat, they kept close to His side, knelt at His feet, and
begged Him to keep them near Him, where they might ever listen to His words.
But Jesus bade them go home and tell what great things the Lord had done for
them. . . . 

As soon as Jesus pointed out their duty they were ready to obey. Not only
did they tell their own households and neighbors about Jesus, but they went
throughout Decapolis, everywhere declaring His power to save. . . . In doing
this work they could receive a greater blessing than if, merely for benefit
to themselves, they had remained in His presence. It is in working to spread
the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Saviour. . . .
They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with
Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that
Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew; what they themselves
had seen, and heard, and felt of the power of Christ (The Desire of Ages,
pp. 337-340). 

>From Lift Him Up - Page 84