The Demoniac's Paradox: Distance and Desperate Running

When the demon-possessed man saw Jesus from afar, he exemplified the sinner's paradoxical condition. Jesus appeared distant in the man's apprehension, yet he was far from God in four critical ways: in character—separated by the gulf between holiness and sin; in knowledge—aware of Jesus but ignorant of His love; in hope—the demons had extinguished any prospect of recovery; and in possession—he had no claim upon the Saviour, crying, "What have I to do with Thee?"

Yet observe the sinner's wisest course: despite his confusion under contending influences—his own spirit warring against the evil spirit—the demoniac ran toward Jesus and worshipped Him. This paradox reflects every sinner's internal struggle. Why run to Jesus? Because He is the Son of the Most High God, the great Enemy of the devil, abundantly able to cast out legions of demons, capable of restoring us to our right mind, and He permits us now to draw near and worship.

Spurgeon illuminates the law of attraction: as a needle moves toward a magnet once the magnet draws near, so our hearts manifest willingness toward salvation when the Lord's glorious goodwill operates upon us. We run to Jesus as though all the running were ours, yet the secret truth remains: the Lord runs toward us. This mutual movement—His initiative meeting our desperate response—is the very heart of redemption.