Basic HTML Version
Evil Spirits
285
the dwellers of Gadara the loss outweighed the blessing Christ had
bestowed; the divine Healer was intreated to depart. See
Matthew
8:23-34
. By casting the blame of their loss upon Jesus, Satan aroused
the selfish fears of the people and prevented them from listening to
His words.
Christ allowed the evil spirits to destroy the swine as a rebuke
to Jews who were raising unclean beasts for gain. Had not Christ
restrained the demons, they would have plunged not only the swine,
but also their keepers and owners into the sea.
Furthermore, this event was permitted that the disciples might
witness the cruel power of Satan upon both man and beast, that
they might not be deceived by His devices. It was also His will
that the people should behold His power to break the bondage of
Satan and release his captives. Though Jesus Himself departed, the
men so marvelously delivered remained to declare the mercy of their
Benefactor.
Other instances are recorded: The daughter of the Syrophoeni-
[318]
cian woman, grievously vexed with a devil whom Jesus cast out by
His word (
Mark 7:25-30
); a youth who had a spirit that ofttimes
“cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him” (
Mark
9:17-27
); the maniac, tormented by a spirit of an unclean devil who
disturbed the Sabbath quiet at Capernaum (
Luke 4:33-36
)—all were
healed by the Saviour. In nearly every instance, Christ addressed
the demon as an intelligent entity, commanding him to torment his
victim no more. The worshipers at Capernaum “were all amazed,
and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with
authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they
come out.”
Luke 4:36
.
For the sake of obtaining supernatural power, some welcomed the
satanic influence. These of course had no conflict with the demons.
Of this class were those who possessed the spirit of divination—
Simon Magus, Elymas the sorcerer, and the damsel who followed
Paul and Silas at Philippi. See
Acts 8:9, 18
;
13:8
;
16:16-18
.
None are in greater danger than those who deny the existence
of the devil and his angels. Many heed their suggestions while
they suppose themselves to be following their own wisdom. As
we approach the close of time, when Satan is to work with greatest