URC Daily Devotion Friday, 28 November 2025
St Matthew 8: 28 – 34
When Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood.
Reflection
Unexpected consequences. The Gospels are full of unexpected consequences and it’s how we frame these unexpected consequences that matters.
Which headline do you prefer?
“Galilean Man casts out demons.” Yay! Or:
“Stranger makes local swineherds redundant.” Boo!?
No wonder the whole town came out to meet Jesus and begged him to leave their neighbourhood… they wanted to keep their jobs, and everything was going along reasonably well, thank you very much. Absolutely no need to shake things up. Jog on, Jesus.
Everything we do can have unexpected consequences. It would be fantastic if every local URC looked at the Children and Youth Friendly Church Award process (Children and Youth Friendly Church Scheme – United Reformed Church or contact your Synod CYDO+ for more details) but are we prepared to deal with the unexpected consequences?
We might have to sing some ‘new’ songs (I mean, from the 1990s, there’s no need to go mad!)
We might have to change when, and for how long, we meet for worship.
We might need to look at how our worship space is set out.
We might have to encourage Arthur (other Christian names are available) to let someone help with giving out the hymn books even though it’s always been HIS job.
We might have to… well, I don’t know. That’s the thing about unexpected consequences – they’re unexpected.
What are the headlines in your church? Are they mostly positive or mostly negative? Are you prepared to risk unexpected consequences? Or are you happy to just keep on treading water (which the swine in our story, sadly, couldn’t do)?
Prayer
Jesus,
sometimes change feels scary –
but you bring healing and freedom.
Help me to trust you when things feel uncertain.
Give me the courage to let go of what’s holding me back,
and step into the new life you’re calling me towards.
Thank you that with you, change can mean growth, hope, and freedom.
Lead me forward, even if the path feels unfamiliar.
I know you’re walking with me.
Amen.