August 29

"And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."—Matthew 8:34

WERE we to decide on our Lord's worth and excellences, from the manner in which he was treated in the world, we should form a very incorrect estimate. We have here an account of his visit to the country of the Gergesenes; where he cast out the devils with which two men who met him were possessed, into the herd of swine: verse 32—34. The character given of the Gergesenes presents a true picture of the ungodly. Observe

THE REASONS WHY THE SAVIOUR IS REJECTED. Many come, as it were, to see Christ in the Gospel, influenced by curiosity or custom, who still reject him, and desire him to depart from them. One reason is

Ignorance. Had the inhabitants of the country our Saviour here visited, known him in his worth and excellency, and the glorious design of his mission, they would have entreated him to stay, rather than have desired him to depart out of their coasts. How often does the veil of prejudice and pride obstruct the vision of his transcendent excellences!

Insensibility. I mean an insensibility of the danger to which they are exposed, and the safety provided in the Gospel. How awful the state, to be "past feeling"! Impenitent sinners resemble Jonah in the storm, sleeping when almost drowning. If the sinner were aware of his danger, he would tremble for himself, and the state of his soul.

Selfishness. The Gergesenes estimated the value of their swine more than their souls; so with many, the world is the great object of desire and delight.

Unbelief. This is the deadly nightshade that grows in the polluted soil of the human heart, and while it deepens its roots and spreads its leaves, no plant of grace can thrive there. Beware, then, of rejecting Christ. We never hear that he visited the Gergesenes again! If you will not hear when he speaks, he will not answer when you call.