Perishing

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. Matthew 8:28-34

I have always struggled with the story of the demons being sent into the swine and them jumping to their destruction. Innocent animals, minding their own business, sent to die for the evil of another. We do know that the region where Jesus was not a Jewish community. Pigs were not kept by devour Jews. I could not possibly unravel all the cultural mysteries and nuances in this story. What I do know, is that pigs are excellent swimmers, even better than dogs. Throughout our walk in faith, we are constantly invited to remember that even when there is destruction and dead ends, there is still more to the story, more to the promises of God.

Faithful Creator, source of all wisdom

we are promised that you are with us

in the darkest and dead-end places

you suffered the cross so we might live.

We witness much evil on a daily basis

there are forces working to destroy others

war has broken out in your Holy Land

and we sit on the sidelines in great fear.

Help us to trust in you ever more deeply

knowing that there is more life coming

there is more blessing and hope to come

as we follow you in your way of love. Amen.