“We see in the heart of Jesus a desire not to provide temporary relief but total liberation to [Legion]. Jesus doesn’t tolerate anything that falls short of God’s best for us. . . . we don’t have to tolerate anything less than God’s promise in our lives. We don’t need to get used to our past tormenting us and our shame inhibiting us. These lies do not need to — not do they get to — stay in the ‘country.’ “- Heath Adamson
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”- 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)
As Heath Adamson continues Chapter 7 of The Sacred Chase, he observes that we can come under spiritual assault. Like Jesus – when tempted by Satan in the wilderness. However, also like Jesus, we can submit to God, resist the devil, and emerge victorious. Above all, Satan cannot force us to do anything. Nor must struggle represent our destiny in life. In Christ, we find true freedom.
Furthermore, there’s a deep reason why the legion of demons desired to stay in the country of the Gerasenes. One poet of the time stated that demons loved the Decapolis because many “Hellenizing apostate Jews’ lived there. In addition, demons felt welcome because people openly worshiped at pagan shrines. Also, the apostate Jews knew Jesus in their heads but not in their hearts.
In conclusion, Heath wonders:
” . . . how many times we come to Jesus and ask him to help us, but, deep down inside, we still have those areas that tolerate dysfunction. . . . When we set aside all of the excuses to come to Christ for salvation, let’s make sure we don’t make excuses to begin settling for the very thing Jesus came to give us freedom from. The demons begged to stay in the country because there is nothing more dangerous to the powers of darkness and nothing more irresistible to God than us bending our heart toward God’s face with no other voices distracting us.”
So, Jesus sent Legion’s demons into a herd of pigs.
Today’s question: What Bible verses best provide total liberation for you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Surrender isn’t always easy, but it’s essential”