Luke 8

Lots of really interesting stories in this chapter, but many of them I have already commented on in their parallel accounts, especially the sick woman touching Jesus' tzitzit. But I would like to point out a cool thing in the story about the demon-possessed man. Remember that the people thought of the Sea of Galilee as the symbol of the Abyss--entry into utter chaos (which was why the disciples were so terrified of drowning in it). The demons even refer to the Abyss (8:31) when they're right there. In fact, they beg Jesus not to send them there. Here's the funny part (how Jesus is always in control of the situation): the demons see the pigs and ask Jesus' permission to go into the pigs instead. But when they do so, where do the pigs take them? Right into the Abyss! Don't tell me that's not funny; you know it is. Then the people come out and see the guy in his right mind and with clothes on, and they were afraid and asked Him to leave. So Jesus goes to the land of the expelled (land of the 7 nations driven out before Joshua and the Israelites), He expells the demons, and then He himself is expelled by the inhabitants of the land. That's interesting at least. But we're not done with this other guy yet. He asks to come with Jesus, but Jesus says no, and instead of telling him to be quiet, Jesus asks him to tell others what God has done for him. The next time Jesus comes through this area, there's a group of believers here--perhaps started by this one man. That's very cool.

As I wrap this up, I feel compelled to tell you that Tyler--the little boy who had a bone marrow transplant (we were introduced to his family toward the end of the last school year)--took a turn for the worse these past few days and in fact went to be with Jesus earlier today. Of course, this is really hard on Tyler's family, so please keep them in your prayers. I, too, am writing this with a heavy heart tonight. One of the first things I thought of was the verse we highlighted yesterday: (7:13) When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her... Pray with me that the Lord holds Tyler's family close to Him through these next days, weeks, months...