Matthew 8:28-34

We don’t talk a lot about the spiritual activity that goes on around us everyday mostly because we cannot see it. What I mean is that we cannot personally see the work of demons or angels, but we can see the results of their work (good or bad). The Bible teaches that there are angels from God and demons who follow Satan and these beings fight against each other for good or evil. In these verses Jesus evidences that He has absolute reign and authority over the spiritual realm. When Jesus arrives at the other side of the Sea of Galilee He enters a city called Gergesenes (Gadarenes) where He was met by two demon-possessed men (8:28). These demons, speaking through the men, immediately recognized Jesus and even called Him the Son of God (8:29). They were concerned that Jesus would send them to eternal punishment before it was their time to go, so they begged Him to allow them to go into the herd of pigs that was nearby (they knew Jesus would cast them out of the two men). Jesus answered their request and sent them into the herd, but the herd ran off the cliff and died in the sea (8:32). Why is this account necessary. I believe it is mostly because God wants us to understand that He possesses all power, even over Satan and his demons. Every day there is a battle going on for your heart. God wants you to follow Him and truth and Satan wants you to follow his ways. Even though demons cannot possess those who are believers, they certainly attempt to influence you with their work. They try to make the world look appealing and worth your time, but God wants you to recognize that the life He offers is more abundant than you could ever imagine. Today, please realize that God has all power over the spiritual realm and even though they are battling for your attention, God has made it possible to resist the temptations of the devil (1 Corinthians 10:13). Commit today to serve the One who loves you and sent His only Son to die on the cross for you.