July 9, 2022

Passage Read: Matthew 7-8
Meditation Verse: 8:32

Thought

Jesus didn't just let these pigs be killed, He destroyed these people's livelihood! Obviously, He knew what he was doing and what affect it would have on the people. He saved the men who were possessed by the demons, which is great, but He killed a whole herd of pigs, the investment of this community or of a family or of a rich man, and incited the anger of that whole town. He was not just making a statement of the value of the two men, but also judging the community that kept pigs on the edge of Israel. That's harsh! But that's truth. How dare Israelites keep pigs when the Lord's Temple had so recently been desecrated by foreigners with a pig! How dare neighboring peoples bring pigs near to the Lord's people!

Application

No one can disobey the Lord and get away with it. God does not take lightly those who show contempt for His commands. Knowing full well that He would declare all foods clean, still Jesus destroyed this herd of pigs and struck a blow to this community's income! God doesn't accept excuses, even if it's a man's livelihood, as cause to dishonor or disobey the Lord. Neither should I allow someone to make excuses for disobedience, either in myself or in others.