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Stilling of the Storm
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save them from the tormenting demons. But when their lips were
opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying
vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God
most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.”
Jesus asked, “What is thy name?” And the answer was, “My
name is Legion: for we are many.” The demons begged Jesus not to
send them out of the country. On a mountainside not far distant a
great herd of swine was feeding. Into these the demons asked to be
allowed to enter. Immediately the herd rushed madly down the cliff,
plunged into the lake, and perished.
Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs.
Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelli-
gence. With glad voices the men praised God for deliverance.
From the cliff the keepers of the swine had seen all that had oc-
curred, and they hurried away to publish the news to their employers.
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In fear and amazement the whole population flocked to meet Jesus.
The demoniacs had been the terror of the country. No one had been
safe to pass where they were. Now these men were clothed and in
their right mind, listening to Jesus’ words and glorifying Him who
had made them whole. But the people did not rejoice. The loss of
the swine seemed greater than the deliverance of these captives of
Satan.
The owners of the swine 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. But indignation for their temporal loss blinded their eyes to
the Saviour’s mercy.
Superstition Excited Fears
The manifestation of supernatural power excited the fears of the
people. Further calamities might follow from having this Stranger
among them. Those who had crossed the lake with Jesus told 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
pleaded with Jesus to go away, and He complied, taking ship at once
for the opposite shore.