Mark 5:1-3, 6-15, 18-20
“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 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 5:1-3, 6-15, 18-20 NIV(please read the whole passage from 1-20)
Many people today, even in the church, don’t believe in the demonic. They interpret the stories of demons in the Bible in terms of various physical and psychological illnesses, but they scoff at the idea of actual demons. I find that interesting, especially when the belief in angels still seems fairly widespread. Why would people believe in angels but not demons? The Bible speaks of both as part of the spiritual, unseen world, but people would rather believe in God than in the devil, and they would rather believe in angels than in demons.
I think one of the reasons is that we are not as familiar with the clearly demonic as the people were in Jesus day. Satan is still very active in our modern world, but he has gone underground so to speak. In Jesus day people already believed in God and the devil, so there was no point in hiding. But in our day people are so distracted from God, I believe Satan works quietly so as not to draw attention to the supernatural and to the great spiritual battle that has been raging throughout all of human history.
Another reason is because people are less apt to be involved in paganism and spiritism in our day, and so there is less of an opportunity for Satan to take hold of a person’s life. I believe in order for a person to become demon-possessed, that person or their family has to open the door in some way for Satan to enter in. They have to give permission, even if they do not fully realize what they are doing. I have personally seen this in New Orleans, and in Haiti.
And even though we do not see or recognize much demon-possession in our own culture, missionaries in foreign lands where paganism and idolatry are practiced report that demon-possession is still alive and well in our world today.
One of the prevailing arguments that skeptics use to deny the existence of the God of the Bible goes like this. If God is all-powerful and chooses not to stop evil, then He is not good. And if He is good but isn’t able to stop evil, then He is not all-powerful. The point is that the existence of evil in the world means that God is either not all-powerful or not good. If God were all-powerful and good, then He would put an end to evil. But evil persists, so God must not be good or must not be able to do anything about it.
There’s coming a day when all evil will come to an end. That day is not here yet. When Jesus returns, He will destroy all evil forever. Jesus death and resurrection tell us that God has intervened in history and is moving history toward a great climax where evil is defeated and righteousness prevails. We want that to happen now. But we must wait. In the meantime, while we wait, we must trust that God is indeed all-powerful and good. We will continue to struggle with the problem of evil and the reality of suffering in our world and in our lives. But we must not deny the sovereignty or goodness of God while we struggle.
This passage of scripture is meant to show us the majesty and deity of Jesus. The Holy Spirit, through Mark, wants us to see the glory of Jesus power and goodness, specifically as it’s displayed through the salvation of sinners.
Jesus employs His power in order to reveal his goodness. Jesus flexes His Authority in order to save His people. He puts His power to work in order to rescue those who’re powerless. Everyone who admits their powerlessness will experience Jesus power and taste Jesus goodness
This is an amazing passage. It is one of the most detailed miracle accounts in the whole New Testament. Once you have met Legion in the pages of Scripture, you can never forget him. Let’s remember the three lessons from this passage. No one is outside God’s reach. If God could reach the demoniac, He can reach anyone. Next Jesus rules over Satan. There are two kingdoms battling for this world and for your soul. Jesus came preaching that the kingdom of God was near, and He showed it was true by His amazing power over Satan’s kingdom in casting out the legion of demons. Finally we must make a choice about Jesus. Jesus is real. He is God’s Son. He did rise from the dead. Will you trust Him like the demoniac did? Or will you push Him away like the townspeople?
We have two choices before us. Jesus has come to rescue you from evil. We can either tell Him to please go away or we have tell Him that we want to follow Him and tell others what Jesus has done for us. Please do not tell Jesus to leave your life because He will. But you will be held accountable on the day of judgment. Please tell Jesus to stay in your life and tell people what the Lord has done for you and showed you mercy!!!
Father thank You for this day and please give us the courage and the strength to obey what Jesus has asked us to do. Lord let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord please use our obedience to bring You glory and to bring others to know Jesus saving love. Lord one step and a time with eyes of faith, when our mind loses focus and gets ahead on the moment, or is pulled down by the past help us to stay in the moment with You. Lord we ask that You bless us for fulfillment of Your will and that You create in us a clean heart, renew a right spirit within us for one walk in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lord use my friend to be the light of Your love to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !
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