Just Imagine

Some of us suffer certain conditions of health, both body and mind, that prevent us from functioning fully. Whether it is privately or in "society" at large, those impairments or handicaps minimize our ability to interact with life and enjoy its benefits.

Such was the Gerasene demoniac mentioned in Luke's gospel. This man, naked and living among the dead, was subject to and tormented by demons. Whether they were in his mind as a part of his imagination or haunting is very being as a part of his reality, he was declared not fit to be among society. At least, that is what those around him felt.

Just imagine - no, we cannot even begin to imagine what that kind of existence could be like, unless of course, you have been there.  Nor would any of us, save for a select few, dare to identify with this man in such a manner that we would be in his presence. But Jesus had no fear of him. He knew what was troubling the man and exactly what to do about it. He knew that the chains that confined that man in his own coffin-of-the-mind, could be broken by the love of God. And indeed, it was love that set him free.

When the man was made new, clothed and in his right mind, those who had bound and secluded him marveled at his transformation! Actually they did not. They were more fearful of what Jesus had done, then the man they had bound.  So much so that they asked Jesus to leave.

Jesus obliged their request, but before doing so he told the "new man" to go and tell. Even though this man so desperately wanted to follow the Christ who had made him whole, Jesus said no; Go and "declare how much God has done for you." (Luke. 8:39)

Just imagine - no, we could not. Those people who had isolated you from society have now become your audience for the testimony of what God had done. 

The people wanted no part of this Jesus who could do such miracles. Yet now, on a daily basis they would be reminded of his power by a man who was once powerless in his mind. How ironic.

I wonder, would they have thought the man who was now dressed and in his right mind, was crazy about this Christ and chain him up again? Did the man himself have doubts about his own mind?

Just imagine...