"And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." Mark 5:15-20
Wow, what a story!
Let me challenge you to go to the book of Mark chapter 5 and read the entire encounter for yourself. It's a pretty amazing situation to
contemplate.
Jesus encounters a man who could not be physically bound with chains, but was chained in his life to unclean spirits.
The locals see a madman.
Jesus sees a struggling, hurting man who has potential for the kingdom of God...
Here is a small list of thoughts that I had when I read this narrative this morning:
1. This man couldn't save himself. No amount of "behavior
modification" could have helped him. If something of a divine nature didn't happen in his life, he would stay in the tombs, bound by the unclean spirit.
The same is still true of us. If we are saved at all, it will be because of a divine work in us. Drowning men and women cannot save themselves.
2. Jesus was able to "take care of business" for this poor man...even when the man couldn't help himself.
Jesus is still in the "taking care of business" business. We can take Him at His word for that in our lives today. He's
never changed, and there's nothing too big for him to handle.
3. Things changed after this man's encounter with Jesus. He didn't stay the same man that he was before. His thoughts had changed, his clothes had changed, his direction had changed. One could say that he did a "spiritual and life-direction about-face."
After
an encounter with Jesus, we WILL change as well. How can I feel that I can somehow "earn" my salvation after Jesus saved me from myself in the first place. I've already proven (beyond the shadow of a doubt), that I am a "dead man walking" if left to my own devices. When Jesus changes our hearts...everything is affected.
4. He couldn't stop talking about the encounter with Jesus, and Jesus
knew that he would be a powerful force for the kingdom of God if he was "released" into ministry.
When we are taken from the depths of despair in our own lives, and into a life of joy and gratitude for what God has done for us, we won't be able to stop talking about it to others. Wherever we are planted...we WILL bloom...if we stay in
a tight relationship with Christ.
Lord, help me today. Help me to see that it is You who brings all of this to me. Help me accept. Help me stay the course. Help me to draw even closer. Amen!
Have a great day and God bless!
