Release from captivity
by Norma Koehne
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you’ (Luke 8:38,39b).
What a sorry state this poor man was in, absolutely tormented by the many demons/voices, making the man’s life a misery. We all know people who are troubled in their minds by depression or other forms of mental illness. This man would appear to have some form of schizophrenia. Everyone in the community feared him, and he was an outcast, roaming naked among the tombs.
What a change Jesus makes in his life. He was healed and was found ‘sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind’. Sitting at Jesus’ feet is a way of saying he wanted to be with Jesus and learn from him, that he believed in him. He was so relieved and thankful that he wanted to go with Jesus as a pupil. For once, Jesus tells him to stay in his home and tell everyone what God had done for him.
One would expect that the people of the village would be amazed and excited to have witnessed this miracle. But the opposite occurred. They were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their town, possibly because they were aware of their failure to obey the Jewish law because they owned pigs.
We may consider that we are nothing like this tormented soul, but as sinners, we, too, know the torment of guilt and are figuratively wandering naked among the tombs. Thank God that through the Holy Spirit, we have been healed through our baptism and have the privilege of ‘sitting at Jesus’ feet’ every day as we worship, immerse ourselves in the study of God’s word, and speak to him in prayer.
Thank you, Father, that through Jesus’ suffering and death, you have relieved us from the torment of sin and alienation from you. Help us show love and compassion to those troubled in mind and spirit. Amen.
Norma grew up at Koonibba in SA. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an International Student Advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Council, Seminary Council, and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
