Weathering Storms

                                              Matthew 8: 28-34

Background

 Jesus had just finished his Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5, 6, 7).  Chapter 8 begins with Jesus coming down from the mountain and great multitudes of people following him.  He first heals a leper (Matt. 8: 2-4) and then enters into Capernaum where he heals the servant of a Roman centurion by speaking only the Word (Matt. 8: 6-13).  Jesus then enters the home of Simon Peter and heals his mother-in-law who is sick of a fever (Matt. 8: 14-15).  After healing all others who had been brought to him, Jesus entered into a ship with his disciples to go over into the land of the Gergesenes along the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. On the way across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calms a storm that abruptly develops.

This region today is known as Golan Heights on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee in southwestern Syria under Israeli military occupation since 1967 Six Day War. 

Explanation and Association

Verses 28-29

Notice that although the disciples had seen Jesus perform many miracles, the sudden development of a storm frightens them greatly. (2 Tim. 1: 7).  Surely these expert fishermen had experienced sudden storms on this sea before? How we handle different kinds of storms reveals our dedication, trust, and commitment to serving our Savior and Lord (Psa. 121: 5) (Psa. 34: 15).  Storms in our lives are often tests of our faith and help us to develop patience, tolerance, and enrichment to a growing faith (Matt. 8: 26) (Psa. 107: 28-30) (James 1: 2-3) (Ez.1: 4) as we live our lives.

As Jesus and his disciples arrived at the eastern coast of the Sea of Galilee, there met him two men who lived in the tombs who were exceedingly fierce being possessed by demons that prevented others from passing there. Upon seeing Jesus and recognizing him, these two cried out unto Jesus asking if he was there to cast them into torments before judgment.  Notice that the demons recognized Jesus and knew his power. 

God’s believers are expected to exercise their faith to good works from God’s power through his grace. Believers’ lives should reflect total acceptance of the truth of God’s Word.  Jesus said that if we can believe in Him, all things are possible (Matt. 19: 26).  Jesus also said his followers would be recognized by their fruits and love (Matt. 7: 16) (John 13: 35).  How is our fruit bearing seen by others, and whether they would desire fellowship with the Lord also based on our example of Christian dedication and service (1Tim. 4: 12) (Matt. 5: 16)?

Priorities in Life

Chapter 8: 30-32

Jesus did not cast the demons into Hell as they anticipated, but cast them into a herd of swine.  This reflected these demons were aware about their destinies and did not question Jesus’ authority.  These demons had been lead astray by Satan and their fates were sealed.  For creation today, to believe God’s promises, believers are required to produce fruitful lives (Matt. 7: 16). Jesus makes his point about professors and not possessers (Matt. 7: 21-23) in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. If the Lord Jesus would have compassion on a demon who has already been judged to spend eternity in Hell, would he not  be more merciful to his creation who is blinded and oblivious to choices needing to be made about eternal destinies?

Verses 33-34

The final analysis of the situation is that the people’s value of a herd of swine meant more to them than the value of the presence of a miracle healer, a life changer, and the greatest Teacher.  The comparison indicates that self autonomy or doing things “my way” is one’s greatest resistance for acceptance of Christ’s gift of salvation, being favored by blessings without measure, and having the guarantee of an eternal home when this life is over (1Cor. 2: 9).

Relationship to Today

1. Unexpected storms arise when we least expect them.  How does the Bible say we are to deal with the sudden storms, both natural and spiritual?
2. The demons believed Jesus was who he said that he was.  The results were that they knew their end judgment destinies and when confronted with that possibility being at the present time, were terrified.  Therefore if we as God’s creation believes Jesus is who he says he is, should this not affect our daily decisions of lifestyle, commitments to God’s commandments to being more faithful, and to respond with more urgency to our future eternal destinies?
3. If Jesus said that if we can believe in him, then all things are possible, then if our lives are fruitless, full of frustrations and woes, and fearful, would this identify us as nonbelievers?  Nonbelievers are not going to Heaven. (Rev. 21: 27)
4. Would placing more value on financial foundations like a herd of swine than compassion and being Christ-like be considered a wasted life (Matt. 6: 19-21)? Are we wasting much or all of our lives for Christ by laying up our treasures on earth rather than heaven (Matt. 6: 19-21)? If so, where does that identify our eternal home after judgment (Heb. 9: 27)?
5. This entire city had been blinded and demon-possessed as verified by requesting the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and Savior of the lost and dying world to depart out of their coast for fear he was a threat to their lifestyle.  Surely, this blindness had not occurred in a short time.  The people had undoubtedly compromised their lifestyles many times in the past and Satan had “rocked them to sleep”(Prov.16: 27-28).  The Bible states that we are in a warfare against supernatural powers, principalities, against the rulers of darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. As prayer warriors for our families (Ez. 22: 30) the Bible states to put on the Whole Armor of God to ready ourselves for battle (Eph. 6: 10-18).  Keep your sword close by (Ps. 119: 11), pick up your cross, and follow Christ (Matt. 16: 24). 
   
   Harvest Has Not Ended
   
   The harvest is still being gathered.  However, laborers are too few.  If the harvest is not gathered into the fold, some is sure to be lost.  If that occurs, some laborers may have to pay for some lost harvest (Ezek. 3: 18-20) (Ezek. 33: 6-8).  If there had ever been followers in the land of the Gergesenes, storms encountered had wreaked havoc on their vessels prompting a falling away of values of compassion and commitment for others. What is the condition of your vessel?