Emphasis Preaching Journal

Raw power is stunning, but rarely is it warm and personal in the way we think of strength. Power explodes, while strength is channeled energy. Power unleashes force, but strength controls ability in very specific ways.

Someone has even defined the gentle concept of meekness as “strength under control.”

Contents
“Legion” by C. David McKirachan
“Runaway” by Keith Hewitt

Legion
by C. David McKirachan
Luke 8:26-39

This passage invites us on so many contemporary journeys. ‘Legion’ is an appropriate name.

So he went his way, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.” (v. 39b)

Good morning boys and girls,

I love seeing you here today. Are you happy to be here in God's holy house? (children respond) Great! I have a scary, wild story from the bible to share with you. Are you ready to hear it? (children respond)

Praxis had a problem. It wasn't a problem shared by any of the other pixies, it was his alone. And it was often very embarrassing.

This week's text concerning the exorcism which set a captive Gerasene demoniac free is the only text appointed from Luke 8 in this year's lectionary readings. David Tiede points out that the material in Luke 8:3„9:50 sets forth the substance of Jesus' ministry in Galilee as Luke tells the story. There is a theme to the stories in Luke 8, and it is the theme of the power of God's word. We touched upon some of this material in Chapter 13 when we discussed the general theme of hearing and doing God's word.