April 19, 2024 

Today's Reading: Luke 8:22-39

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 39:32-40:16, Luke 8:22-39

And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. (Luke 8:36–37)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “We don’t like you, Jesus. We appreciate that you healed that demon-possessed guy and got him to be civilized again, but we’re afraid of you now. So, if you wouldn’t mind, please go far, far away.”

That’s not exactly the response you might expect after a miracle. Of course, there is a bit more to it. The exorcized demons possess a herd of pigs and drown them, causing the loss of a good bit of income, so I can understand their fear. What could happen next, after all?

Trust is the issue. Who do they trust? Who do you trust? The newly demon-free man wanted to follow Jesus back to Galilee and on a “glory tour” of sorts. He wanted to see all the wonderful things Jesus would do, but Jesus told him that his greatest work would be staying home and telling others how he was healed.

The disciples have the same problem. Just before this, they are amazed at Jesus’ power over the storm. They can’t quite wrap their heads around what happens. And, to be honest, they are a bit afraid, too. They’re not sure what to think.

You have seen what Jesus has done for you. He has raised you from death in your Baptism. He has taken your sin away in His death and resurrection. He comes to you mysteriously in bread made body and wine made blood to strengthen and comfort and forgive you.

Are you still a bit afraid of Him, though? Are you not sure that you can trust Him, since He has the ability to do such mighty things? Do you wonder when He might turn on you, a sinner who can’t do His will? A healthy fear of God is a good thing. The LORD is a great God, a great king above all gods, we sing. 

And everything he does—calming storms, driving out demons, comforting the hurting, forgiving sins, rescuing from sin, death, and Hell—He does for you, because of His great love for you. And because He does these things for you, you can trust Him. You can trust that He’s caring for you the best way He can; by preparing you for the resurrected life with Him for all eternity. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If God Himself be for me, I may a host defy; For when I pray, before me My foes, confounded fly. If Christ, my head and master, Befriend me from above, What foe or what disaster Can drive me from His love? (LSB 724:1)

- Pastor Duane Bamsch is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

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