This story is a deeply sad commentary on life. The people of this town were faced with a question. They witnessed two things. First a man miraculously delivered from a horrible life of shame and oppression. But second, loss of income. There was a price for this man’s deliverance. The town, the people who knew him and his misery, choose money over miracle. They sent Jesus away.

And He left.

This is what happens when we value money, success, jobs, income over people. It turns away God Himself and the blessing He intended for us. Think about it. Every city that Jesus visited received miracles, healing, freedom. But here, only the one was touched. Everyone else in the city remained sick, oppressed, struggling. And why? They saw what happened to the swine and valued their income, their food over their savior. They chose money over Jesus.

Many today make this same choice. They see the cost of discipleship and turn away. They value their comfort, their luxury, their habit, their pleasure over a touch by the Creator of the universe. The saddest part to this is…

Jesus left.

You don’t always get a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance. Rejecting Jesus today, He may leave. Time may run out. Today, now, is the time! It doesn’t get any better.

We must be careful with our priorities in life. Do we neglect to speak a word for fear of loosing a job? Do we hold back on our testimony for fear of ridicule? Might we loose friends? Comfort? Income? Maybe…. The herdsmen here lost an entire herd of 2000 swine! But in exchange we can obtain peace, love, acceptance by our creator.

Don’t choose to send Jesus away. Invite Him into your city, your home, your heart. Pay whatever price may be and obtain true riches! It is worth it!

Nothing in this world can exceed the joy of sitting with Jesus, and hearing His words. Choose that!