01.14. Hog Wild and Pig Crazy
Hog Wild and Pig Crazy
Luke 8:26-39 (Parallel passages Matthew 8:28-34 ; Mark 5:1-20 )
We live in a time when the activity of the occult and the activity of satanic groups are no longer in the closet. The evidence of this is found in the music and the dress of our young people. It is found in video games we see that are being developed for our, so called, entertainment. We see it on the web, in our literature and if you watch any of the talk shows on TV you will certainly see the evidence of demonic influence in our society. What used to be the abnormal is now becoming the socially accepted and in some circles the socially demanded. It seems like our nation has gone hog wild and pig crazy.
I- Background: Luke 8:26
Jesus departs from the ship on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. As he disembarks he is met by two men who live in the tombs (Matthew 8:28 ). The focus of the gospel of Luke and Mark are only on one of these men. Concerning this apparent contradiction Matthew Henry said, "If there were two, there was one."
Even today one of the most prominent features of this area is the tombs that dot the cliffs of the region of Gadara.
II- There is an enemy! Luke 8:27
This man was certainly under the influence of Satan and his hoards of demons. "…had devils long time.." tells us this was not just a recent occurrence. A composite of the gospel accounts tell us he, "…ware not clothes, neither abode in any house…night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying and cutting himself…had been often bound with fetters and chains (which he promptly broke) …neither could any man tame him."
We can certainly see from this text that there is an enemy of men. We know that the enemy of men has always been Satan. Satan has tried to confuse men and bring them captive to himself and sin from the beginning.
How does he attack? The enemy attacks men in their minds. Notice the following scriptures concerning the mind and the attack of Satan there.
Romans 7:23-25 "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members…25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
We also see that we need to be conscience of the mind being renewed by the thing so God. Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
III- Mental Illness or Demon Possession? Luke 8:28-29 In all three gospels it notes that there was a demonic possession involved in this situation. This leads us to the questions are demons real and if so is demon possession possible today. The answer to these is certainly yes. Many foreign missionaries tell multitudes of stories of numerous possessions by the demons in some people they encounter. Is it possible that some of the mental illnesses today are nothing more than demonic possessions? Let me quickly state however that if someone has a mental problem this does not in any way say that they are unspiritual and certainly not demon possessed. There are many causes of mental problems. Chemical imbalances, traumas and others things that have nothing to do with demons.
Having said this lets turn our attention to possession by demons that occur and how to prevent them. First let me state not by my experience but by testimony of those involved in the occult and demon possessions that the first line of defense and the only sure line of defense is that we have the spirit of God living within us. I understand that when someone tries to join one of these cults they are many time ask if they have ever accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. If they have they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit and cannot be possessed by demons.
Some of the avenues that Satan uses to get into people are through games such as Dungeons and Dragons, the Oujie Board and many others. However, I am not saying if you play these you are going to possesses. Satan many times can potentially have an avenue into someone life through drugs, sex and other lust of the flesh.
IV- Hog Wild and Pig Crazy! Luke 8:30-34
You notice that these demons recognized who Jesus was. In all three gospels they call Him, "Jesus,…Son of God." James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." These demons, which called themselves Legion, ask to be cast into the swine instead of the deep. Jesus did as they had requested. This made the hogs run into the water made from demon possession. They went, if you will, hog wild and pig crazy. The event is reported to the people who dwelled in the country. They ask Jesus to depart. There were probably a several reasons for this. Fear and unwillingness to embrace who Jesus was could have been two. Regardless I see them as more concerned about the hogs than the spiritual condition of themselves and their country. They were will to sell their souls for the almighty dollar so to speak.
V- New Man in Christ! Luke 8:35 The miracle part of this is found in this verse. The man was in his right mind setting at the Master feet hearing Him teach. The miracle was the redemption of this man. The new birth is always a miracle. Someone said they do not have as many questions about God sending some men to hell as they do with Him allowing anyone to go to heaven. The word of God says when we accept Christ, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 The birth of a son or daughter into the family of God is something that even though we do not understand it is a miracle.
VI- Called to Tell Others! Luke 8:38-39
Notice when this man wanted to go with Jesus he was told by the Master to, "return to his own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee." Do you remember how excited you were when you were saved. John in the Revelation told the church at Ephesus they had "…left thy first love." This man when it is said throughout the whole city telling them. Our call is to tell what Christ had done for us. If you have had a change you have received a call. You to can be involved in a miracle today of the new birth.