For Wednesday January 10, 2024:
Mark 5:2 NLT: “When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil, unclean spirit came out from the tombs to meet him.”
Crossing the lake proved to be a defining point Jesus’ evangelistic career. A crowd had been following, they liked what they saw, but making a decision to call Jesus “Lord and Savior” hadn’t happened – yet!
Jesus did nothing unusual to put the miracles in motion. He simply lived out his inherent character, loving everyone he met and doing the next right thing. A man came out of the cemetery, not to welcome Jesus as much as to confront him. This extremely strong, demon-possessed man was well known for violent, insane outbursts. A legion of demons had left his life a shambles. He screamed as those demons negotiated with Jesus. “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” The demons relocated into a nearby herd of pigs, who then ran off a cliff and drowned in the lake.
The man had been restored before many witnesses who related the incident to others. But did they fully appreciate what they had just seen? No – regrettably, they feared someone with that much power, and begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone!
As Jesus was preparing to leave, the previously possessed man begged to accompany him, but Jesus told him to stay and witness to all the locals. Testify to everyone the miracle he had received! The man was disappointed, but he obeyed and proclaimed the miracles to ten towns in the region. His personal testimony filled with gratitude convinced many to believe that Jesus was the Son of God!
We are all called to be witnesses for Jesus. If we have faith like the man from whom the demons were driven, we can all give a powerful testimony to repent, return and follow Jesus! That’s what Jesus said to do! Tell everyone!
No more pigs need to lose their lives!
Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus in the City Fellowship
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