Casting Out Demons

The last couple weeks we've seen texts indicating that casting out demons was an integral part of Jesus' early ministry.  We've talked about other aspects of these texts in the sermons but I don't want to let them pass by entirely without acknowledging this aspect of Jesus' healing.

Because some of the demons actually spoke to Jesus before departing we can be sure that the supernatural played a part in these miracles.  In order to dismiss the concept of possession entirely we'd have to ignore significant portions of Jesus' story.  But even if wrapping your head around that is a little much, consider that being supernatural, or even demons, isn't the ultimate point of evil's presence in these texts.  The problem with demons was not just that they were supernatural, but that they were beyond the control of human beings and they caused harm.  That is why Jesus opposed them and took power over them.

Now consider that many of the things casually attributed to demonic possession back in Jesus' time--things that were healed not in extended stories but in sentences like, "And he cast out demons from all who were possessed"--could actually mimic conditions we accept today as illnesses.  Depression, schizophrenia, addictions...people knew little or nothing of these conditions back then.  They, too, would likely have been termed "demonic possession".

The point here is not to start an argument about what does or doesn't constitute demonic influence back in the day or now.  I see even less point in trying to figure out what belongs in the realm of the supernatural and what belongs to science.  The truth is, we'll never know.  We can debate our opinions all day without ever coming up with a helpful answer.

Rather the overarching point is the best one:  this is not about sickness, but about healing.  Jesus has compassion on all of those who are dealing with forces beyond their control, supernatural, scientifically-explained, or otherwise.  Jesus does not abandon, nor does he turn away.  Jesus reaches out, touches, understands, and does everything in his power to show that we are meant for goodness, not oppression or suffering.

As followers of Christ, we too are called to reach out to people dealing with such forces in their lives.  Too often we detour around issues like mental illness, abuse, or addiction when we should be showing compassion, lending a hand, doing our part to participate in the identification and healing process.  Like the people of Jesus' time we're tempted to identify people by their suffering ("She's this" or "He's the guy who's that") as if there were no person beyond that label.  Alternatively we simply pass by in silence, not acknowledging anything at all.  Both practices short-change God's children and the ministry we're called to.

Take some time today to pray for people dealing with issues and conditions beyond their control.  If you know someone who needs help, help them find it.  Give to organizations that assist people who are suffering.  If you can offer peace, a hug, or a word of support personally, do so.  We cannot turn away, for Jesus didn't.

All our thoughts and prayers for those fighting the battles that we seldom see.

--Pastor Dave (pastordave@geneseelutheranparish.org)