“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed” Mark 5:18-20
Terror grips my heart as I imagine the demonic mad man described in Mark 5.
He was clothed only in remnants of broken chains that failed to bind him as he darted frantically among the tombs. It is like a scene from a modern day horror movie, an unlikely place for the Prince of Peace to appear on set, yet that is exactly what Jesus did.
When the demonic man saw Jesus, Scripture tells us that he ran and fell on his knees in front of him shouting, What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me! Then, Jesus commanded the spirits to depart from the man, and they had to obey. At that moment, the torment he had endured ended.
The next time we see the man, in verse 18, he is in his right mind begging Jesus to let him follow him. Instead, Jesus instructs the man to return to his home and share with others how Jesus showed mercy to him. As he shared with others, they were amazed.
Everyone needs Jesus as desperately as the demonic man.
If we take the time to examine the faces of our own family and friends, we can see the need blaring back at us. It beckons to us to share any glimmer of hope we have that will set them free from the tormenting clutches of sin.
Let this be our invitation to share the hope we have in Christ.
Father, help me to be sensitive to the deep spiritual need of those I come in contact with. May I willingly share with them the one who is capable of releasing them from their bondage to sin. Amen.
Consider this quote:
“Don’t talk to people about God until you’ve talked to God about people.”
Pray for opportunities to share Christ with specific people in your life. Be watchful as God brings those opportunities before you.
By Veda Lucas
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• God’s Plan – A Study on God’s Destiny for Me?
• How to Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness (3 parts)
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