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The Desire of Ages
It was in mercy to the owners of the swine that this loss had been
permitted to come upon them. They were absorbed in earthly things,
and cared not for the great interests of spiritual life. Jesus desired to
break the spell of selfish indifference, that they might accept His grace.
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But regret and indignation for their temporal loss blinded their eyes to
the Saviour’s mercy.
The manifestation of supernatural power aroused the superstitions
of the people, and excited their fears. Further calamities might follow
from having this Stranger among them. They apprehended financial
ruin, and determined to be freed from His presence. Those who
had crossed the lake with Jesus told of all that had happened on the
preceding night, of their peril in the tempest, and how the wind and
the sea had been stilled. But their words were without effect. In terror
the people thronged about Jesus, beseeching Him to depart from them,
and He complied, taking ship at once for the opposite shore.
The people of Gergesa had before them the living evidence of
Christ’s power and mercy. They saw the men who had been restored to
reason; but they were so fearful of endangering their earthly interests
that He who had vanquished the prince of darkness before their eyes
was treated as an intruder, and the Gift of heaven was turned from
their doors. We have not the opportunity of turning from the person
of Christ as had the Gergesenes; but still there are many who refuse
to obey His word, because obedience would involve the sacrifice of
some worldly interest. Lest His presence shall cause them pecuniary
loss, many reject His grace, and drive His Spirit from them.
But far different was the feeling of the restored demoniacs. They
desired the company of their deliverer. In His presence they felt
secure from the demons that had tormented their lives and wasted their
manhood. As Jesus was about to enter the boat, they kept close to His
side, knelt at His feet, and begged Him to keep them near Him, where
they might ever listen to His words. But Jesus bade them go home and
tell what great things the Lord had done for them.
Here was a work for them to do,—to go to a heathen home, and tell
of the blessing they had received from Jesus. It was hard for them to be
separated from the Saviour. Great difficulties were sure to beset them
in association with their heathen countrymen. And their long isolation
from society seemed to have disqualified them for the work He had
indicated. But as soon as Jesus pointed out their duty they were ready