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Day 101

Luke 8 : 26-39 (Matthew 8:28-34 ; Mark 5:1-20) "THE POWER OF FEAR"

Day 101 – Luke 8

Text: Luke 8 : 26-39 (Matthew 8:28-34 ; Mark 5:1-20)

THE POWER OF FEAR

The Disciples of the Lord Jesus experienced great fear when they were caught in a sudden windstorm that threatened to capsize the boat they were sailing in. Fear gripped them and they had to wake their Master up, from a badly needed nap, after a protracted ministry in Galilee. In Mark’s account, the Lord Jesus addressed this problem of “fear”.

Jesus asked the Disciples astonishing questions…

“Why are you so fearful?
How is it that you have no faith?”
Mark 4:40

Fear is a terrible tyrant. The Disciples had to learn how to face fear and to overcome it. Fear may come in any form, and may strike at any time. The Disciples had to learn that the best antidote to overcome fear would be their “faith” (Mark 4:40; Matthew 8:26; Luke 8:25. In all three Gospel accounts, the question, “Where is your faith?” raised by the Lord Jesus was carefully recorded).

The Lord Jesus, being the Master-Teacher that He was, trained His Disciples well. They had to be exposed to different sets of circumstances, where fear could possibly strike them. In each one of them, the Lord would be there to guide them and to teach them how to apply their faith so that they would not be overcome by fear.

A SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES THAT COULD CAUSE FEAR

The Disciples were allowed to see how a host of demons could invade an individual (In Matthew’s account, this violent demonized man had a companion). The power of demons can be terrifying to those who lack faith and trust in God.

Many are afraid that they would be attacked by demons. Others are even afraid that demons might even enter into them. The Disciples had to be exposed to situations that could cause great fear to engulf them.

FEAR IN THE HEARTS OF THE IGNORANT

The Disciples saw first hand what unbridled fear could do to people. The Gadarenes (also called Gergesenes) reacted with great fear when the swineherds informed their employers about the loss of their herd of swine, which numbered about 2000 (Mark 5:13).

The Gadarenes had not asked for an explanation as to why their herd of swine had plunged to their death in the sea. They had not been comforted by the fact that the Lord Jesus had healed their fellow-countrymen.

They were just “afraid” (Luke 8:35). A sad event took place. Luke recorded this, with great poignancy,

“Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region
of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them,
for they were seized with great fear.” Luke 8:37

The Gadarenes did not understand the great privilege they would have been given, to welcome Jesus into their region. A few swineherds told their version of how they had lost their herd of swine, and somehow, fear swept their hearts. From just a few people, the fear spread to a whole multitude! Fear is a terrible master indeed.

Jesus acquiesced to their request. He would not force His Presence on any region that would not welcome Him.

WORK FOR A NEW BELIEVER

Understandably, the man who had been possessed by demons pleaded with the Lord Jesus to take him along as one of His Disciples. His response was sincere, natural and absolutely understandable!

How would you feel if you have just been released from the power of many demons? He would certainly have felt more than just relief. He would have felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for the One who has released him from deadly bondage! There could be only one thing on his mind. He wanted to be with Jesus. He would serve Him the rest of his life!

However, Jesus had a different plan for his life. He had a work for him to do,

“Return to your own house,
And tell what great things
God has done for you.”
Luke 8:39

“AND HE WENT HIS WAY AND PROCLAIMED… WHAT GREAT THINGS JESUS HAD DONE FOR HIM.” Luke 8:39

Somehow, the new convert understood what Jesus wanted him to do. He may not have had a whole lot of instruction, for he had just begun to sit at the feet of Jesus to learn about God (Luke 8:35). Nevertheless, he understood what his mission was.

Readily he undertook the task. Luke recorded the way in which the man faithfully did what he was told. What an example he was to The Twelve, who had been specially selected to be with Jesus.

There was no fear in the heart of the man who had just been healed. He was not afraid of the demons coming back to attack him. He was not afraid of how his fellow townsmen may regard him, when he returned to his own home. His faith may have been young, but his was genuine faith indeed.

He went home, and began to share with people what great things Jesus had done for Him. The phrase “great things” would tell us that he was conscious of more than just having been healed by Jesus. He could well refer to how the Lord gave him salvation. He could refer to the work of transformation that had begun in his life. There were many other “great things” that Jesus had done for him, and he felt happily compelled to share the Gospel that he had just embraced.

When Jesus returned to the same region a little later, “the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him” (Luke 8:40). What a testimony to the Disciples as to how fear can and must be overcome! When faith reigns, great work can be done! May we be challenged to overcome our fears by a very strong faith.