Legion
What is your name? Legion, for there are many of us. I have heard psychologists say that all of us have addictions. We could label our addictions demons. Besides the beginning of each year have you tried to get your rid of your demons? Demons range in size and strength. A drug habit can be debilitating. Our culture has other drugs to lessen the desire for the demon that is causing harm. We are a culture who have learned to self-medicate. Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, or just look at the counter in the drug store. Whatever hurts we have a pain killer. And we know pain killers can turn into vicious demons, too. But with all this help we never really discover what caused the original pain or condition that initiated the first demon.
Jesus and His disciples were in the territory of the Gerasene’s. We are told they were raising pigs. This went against Jewish law. They were offending God by raising unclean animals. Now raising pigs today does not have the same cultural impact as it did then. Nevertheless, offending God always has the same consequences. The people of Gerasene needed to be cleansed. Sending Legion into the pigs removes the pigs. Although the people no longer have a livelihood they must now depend on God. Before Jesus could work with the people, they needed to be prepared to receive God. Although now they send Jesus away, He will return. And when He does, He will find the people have reestablished their relationship with God.
Mental health issues are escalating, and we do not have enough professionals to help everyone. But we are here. Not everyone has such terrible demons as Legion. There are many smaller issues that can be addressed by soft word, a hug, and letting people know you are there for them. There is healing in the name of Jesus. We need to be witnesses to His love.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen