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(The story of the demoniac living in the tombs told from the demoniac’s perspective) 

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This life is brand new to me. I’ve not formerly been a follower of Yeshua. In fact, I just recently met Him. Yet I can testify that when Yeshua is present, miracles just seem to happen. For me, it was more than a miracle; it was a life transformed. 

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As it was told to me later, when Yeshua descended the mountain, ok, a tall hill, after speaking to His twelve disciples, everyone noticed Yeshua’s exhaustion. It had been over twenty-four hours without sleep and Yeshua desperately needed to rest.  

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To accommodate Him, He and the twelve traveled the short distance back to the Sea of Galilee while His other followers set up camp elsewhere. A twenty-eight-foot boat was borrowed. In the boat, Yeshua can sleep until the boat docks on the Gadarene's shore. When there, the twelve can set up camp and relax in this gentile area. 

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One of His twelve later told me that Yeshua fell asleep almost before He was seated. I also heard that He could really snore. Amidst the snickers from Peter, the others tried to rest also, but the waves were too choppy for much peace. Yet Yeshua was zonked out dreaming of whatever Messiah’s dream. 

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 According to Peter, they were about halfway across when the western winds started to whip across the sea. The sky was darkening, and the waves grew increasingly violent as a storm approached. For a while, the experienced fishermen maintained a steady hand and kept the boat on course. Within an hour, though, all twelve were exhausted from rowing. The crashing waves were winning the fight as it pounded and pounded the boat.  

Matthew, though, had been white knuckled from the start because his brother died on a fishing trip. As that remembrance came to mind, He became hysterical with fear; shouting, “We’re going to die! I should have stayed in the camp. Do something guys, I’m not ready to meet my maker.” His fright quickly spread to the others. 

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Still Yeshua peacefully snored away. John told me it was hard to fight the anger that started to build up. This was not the death any of them were expecting. In desperation, they shook Him and shouted, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” Barely awake, Yeshua’s answered quietly, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith.” As the wind instantly died down, He went back to sleep. Peter barely whispered, “Who is this that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” The others nodded in agreement. 

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From the Gadarene shore, I saw a monstrous boat approaching. My insides were churning as the evil living inside me commanded, Hide, right now! Your master demands it. Do it now!” I had no choice. Wickedness owned this body. 

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Then Yeshua alighted. I knew not His name, nor had I heard any of the miraculous stories surrounding His life. All I knew was an overwhelming fear of this man.  

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Among the tombstones and burial caves lived another in worse shape than I. He spent all day either tormenting the nearest neighbors or purposely slashing himself with jagged rock. Only his constant screams were more horrifying than his disfigured body. This was someone that would slice you open without a second thought. Instead of hiding, he charged the boat. Vitriol words deep from within him, cursed the passengers.  I knew to avoid him or risk his agonizing cruelty. 

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As I watched from behind a tomb, Yeshua approached the demoniac with open arms, a bright smile forming on His face. Before Yeshua could reach him, the demoniac shocked me by bowing in reverence, shouting repeatedly, “Why are You interfering with us, Son of the Most High God? I beg you don’t torture me.” 

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Then with a finger pointing in my direction, Yeshua said “You cannot hide. Come out at once.” My mind shrieked in terror at the command, but my feet compelled me forward. With faltering footsteps and an internal voice screaming obscenities, I approached. Whether willingly or only in obedience to His words, I had no choice but to come out. 

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Yeshua, with a look of gentle compassion, asked our names. My demoniac partner started to give his birth name when Yeshua said, “I want the name of your bodies’ ruler, not your human names. A deep guttural sound came out from him, but I knew he was speaking for both of us. “My name is Legion; for we are many.”  

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My tormentors had no choice. Their time of power was over. Deep inside me, the demons panicked because they knew Yeshua was the stronger one.  Then a voice from deep inside me begged Yeshua, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.” The shocked herdsman watched as a riot overtook the swine and thousand plunged to their deaths in the nearby lake. Yeshua had spoken; demons obeyed. 

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Then calmness came over me, a sweet peace that I had not experienced since I was a child. I could only stand in reverence, letting the tears cascade down. I could sense a future filled with possibilities, maybe even a family? At the same time, my companion in the tombs, feet dancing, was joyfully shouting as loud as possible, "I am free.” As his words echoed through the tombs, was it just my imagination or were the tomb’s headstones shuddering in horror? They had lost us as friends. 

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Then panic overtook the herdsman. Their income was gone, and the owners of the swine would still expect renumeration. Hurriedly, they spread the news. Let them blame this Man who had spoken it into existence. He had caused the loss. 

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When the villagers approached and realized we were no longer tormented, their faces lit with happiness for a moment and then their expressions darkened. The loss of their livelihood was too much to bear, and furious anger overcame everything else. Gathering their courage, they hurriedly approached Yeshua, now relaxing by a fire. Yeshua must leave. Reluctantly, Yeshua and the twelve followed the villagers’ request and prepared to leave.

 

I longed to join Yeshua in His journey, feeling a deep connection and yearning for His presence. Yet, He said “No.” He only asked me to be a light, not hidden but burning bright for Jehovah. I understood. Sharing my story with other gentiles became my mission, might I be a beacon of light.

  

Matthew 8:23-34   Mark 4:35-5:20 Luke 8:22-39