Free!

¡Buenos días!

Today’s text is found in Mark 5:1-20.

This is one of the most fascinating stories to me – what makes it so fascinating is that it is a true story about a true man about a true crisis in need of a true miracle. Nothing short of a miracle would be of any help to this no name man. A man tormented by demons to the extent of physical harm and agony (Mark 5:5).

It astounds me that the man, mainly by impulse of the demons and partly by his own desire for help, ran to Jesus, fell at his feet, and then actually acknowledged his divinity! This evil spirit (demon) actually recognized Jesus for who he really was! It kind of reminds me of the way that James put it, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder” (James 2:19). A seminary professor once told us, “Even the demons have better theology than we do sometimes!” While this statement is quite exaggerated, humorous, and a bit of a stretch, the point is well taken – evil spirits recognize the omnipotence of God.

Once Jesus delivered this man from his possession by this evil spirit, the gospel of Mark says that the man was sitting (vs. running around uncontrolled), dressed (vs. naked), and in his right mind (vs. screaming, yelling, and harming himself) (Mark 5:15). However we choose to understand this evil spirit, the fact remains that it was torturing and destroying his life and that Jesus was able to deliver him. The man’s encounter with Jesus made all the difference. Jesus’ intervention in his life made all the difference. So much so that the man returned to his family and community to tell of what Jesus had done in his life (Mark 5:20).

What has Jesus done for you? Have you ever felt yourself in a desperate situation? “Naked”? That is, unprotected or unshielded to life’s harm? Or not in your “right mind”? Thoughts, problems, worries, etc., that cloud your mind to see God’s light? Let us thank God that he can deliver and help us. Give it over to God – He will give us peace of mind.

Prayer: Lord, life’s situation many times try to cloud us to not see your grace at work. Free us from being overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties and help us to trust your wisdom. Thank you for your delivering power. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

P.S. Let us continue to pray for Alicia’s family as they deal with the loss of their son, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend.

By grace alone,
Pastor David