Deliverance
When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
Luke 8:33 (NIV)
Next month marks the 50th anniversary of John Boorman’s critically acclaimed movie, Deliverance, based on James Dickey’s poetic novel of the same name. Both tell the grim tale of four city slickers seeking relief from the stress of modern-day life by embarking on a canoe trip in the wilds of Southern Appalachians. Spoiler alert: the unhappy campers did not receive the kind of escape they were looking for.
In this week’s Gospel reading, the deliverance Luke writes about has a far happier ending for the broken demoniac who lived in squalor among the tombs. In a moment, Jesus delivers him from the desperate condition he has lived with for we don’t know how many years; Luke simply says it was ‘a long time’ (verse 27).
There is a considerable difference between these two tales. In one, the characters are swiftly overtaken by the troubles of this world, mostly brought on by themselves, and it ends badly for them. In the other, Jesus shows us how complete his power is. Satan’s mighty demonic legions are utterly powerless next to the King of kings and Lord of lords. In fact, verse 31 tells us they begged him to show mercy to them.
From the moment they see Jesus coming, the dark and detestable menace has already resigned itself to defeat. It is just a matter of time, and as we see in the story, the timing is Christ’s. Satan may love to hurt and harm those who God loves, but he has already lost the battle.
The deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac reminds us that there is no part of our lives that cannot be overcome by the love and grace of Jesus. Whatever demons you are facing in your life, have faith that Jesus has already done everything necessary for you to receive complete deliverance.
Prayer
Almighty Father, all powerful God-healer. Thank you for the love of Jesus who is able to deliver us completely from temptation and evil, hurt and harm. In his name we pray, Amen.
Study by Peter Mill
Peter Mill is a Minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland and Northern England
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh – Edinburgh has a zoom service at the moment. For details email the local congregational contact below.
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church