Holy Boldness

it was of a tormented soul under the influence of the demonic, a situation brought on by sin and brokenness. The description of these men is graphic and shocking. “…there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce so that none could pass that way.” Has there ever been a more deplorable description of men? First, it says that they were demonized, which means that they were strongly influenced by an unseen evil presence. This represents a total loss of iden tity. Secondly, they came out from the tombs which suggests that they lived with a complete lack of family, culture, love but rather lived? among the dead. Additionally, they were exceedingly violent and unrestrained meaning that they were utterly lawless and ungovernable by themselves or anyone else. This was anarchy (without government) on an epic and tragic scale. Lastly, they blocked the way so that no one could pass by without being threatened. All in all, these men’s condition represented a total forfeiture of personal dignity and purpose, blockage from any deliv erance or journey forward. How does anyone come to such a condition? A vacuum is a place void of any structure. A spiritual vacuum existed in these men and so evil took up residence. Evil cannot be strong in itself because it is based on a lie. It is not a positive force nor is it constructive in any way. Darkness can only dominate where there is no light. Chaos comes where there is no order. Death exists where life does not. Evil cannot bring peace, joy, happiness nor can it build anything but an illusion. These two men represent what happens in a vacuum. “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” (Proverbs 29:18) When Jesus stepped onto the shore, darkness began to flee, intimidation withered, the atmosphere changed and the demonic forces controlling the men immediately felt the threat and rushed to confront Him. Here is another evidence of Jesus’ authority. It was not just what He said or what He did but what He carried internally that changed things where ever He went. This is true authority. The demonic presence asked him a peculiar question: “What have we to do with you, Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time?” The questions reveal several things: 1. It reveals that they saw Jesus as the son of God.

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