Read: Luke 8:26-39

What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? (v. 28 NRSV)

What are you gaining from your problems? If you could be rid of your problems right now, today, what would you lose? Attention? Sympathy? An excuse?

The demoniac wants to be healed. He falls at Jesus’ feet to worship him. Yet when Jesus commands the demons to come out, a voice snarls: “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” The poor wretch wants to be rid of his demons, yet he wants to hold onto them–and they to him. We do strike deals with our demons, for to be rid of them is to be rid of the excuses or the security they provide. We are like the rich young ruler who comes to Jesus looking to be cured of what ails him, yet when Jesus offers the cure the man goes sorrowfully away. He wants to be healed, but he doesn’t want to be healed.

We are like that–attracted to, and repelled by, the grace of God. We want Jesus to help us, but help means change, and change hurts. Other than wet babies, nobody likes to be changed.

Fortunately, Jesus doesn’t give up on the demoniac; he won’t leave until the man is healed. Please, Jesus, don’t give up on me. –Lou Lotz

Prayer: Heal me, Lord.

Words of Hope is an international media ministry, founded and owned by classes of the RCA, dedicated to building the church in the hard places. The Words of Hope devotional encourages readers to grow spiritually through daily Bible readings and prayer. To subscribe, please visit: woh.org/word/devotionals/.