(Read Mark 4:35 – 5:20)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Mark chapters four and five describe a very busy day for Jesus. After teaching most of the day Jesus was led to spontaneously head across the lake. Let’s find out why.
Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s go across to the other side.” As Jesus and His disciples got into a boat others followed after Jesus in other boats. A tremendous storm formed, waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it, and the disciples (some of whom had made their living on the water as fishermen), thought they were going to die. All the while Jesus was fast asleep in the stern, with His head on a pillow. The disciples woke Jesus up, scared to death. Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke peace to the waters. All of a sudden the storm was gone and the people were left amazed.
The boat touched seashore in the land of Gad. When Jesus got out of the boat a demon possessed man emerged from the tombs to meet Him. This man was why Jesus made the journey that threatened their lives. He was also why the enemy wanted so badly to keep Jesus from arriving in Gad. This man was being used of satan and satan knew Jesus would set him free. Not because the man deserved it, or because he did something to earn his deliverance. No, Jesus was motivated by grace and love. Jesus went out of his way – putting his disciples and all those who followed in harm’s way – all because He loved this man enough to meet him where he was.
The man was in His element. He roamed through the tombs day and night crying out and cutting himself with stones. Every time someone attempted to chain him down the man would simply (and supernaturally) break through the chains. This supposed lunatic, clearly oppressed of the devil, ran and kneeled himself before Jesus shouting, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Jesus looked passed the erratic behavior, the outward façade, and the awkward declaration; and saw a man who was hurting. Jesus perceived the man was demon possessed. The title the man used for Jesus was the title that satan attempted to elevate himself to – El Elyon (the Most High God). Jesus said, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit! What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many!” The demons then begged Jesus to send them into a nearby heard of pigs. Jesus granted their wish and the demons traveled into 2,000 pigs and the herd rushed into the nearby water and drowned. The people tending to the pigs ran off to report the event in town. Soon the town members gathered and asked Jesus to leave. But before He left Jesus looked at the man He made the trip for, the man no one understood, the man no one could restrain, the man no one could free, and this man was now clothed in his right mind. The man was so grateful that he wanted to go with Jesus and follow Him, but Jesus forbade it. Jesus said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” The man went and told everyone he knew how much Jesus had done for him.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God will go to great lengths to meet you where you are. Jesus stopped what He was doing, got into a boat, and traveled through a storm, just to minister a man no one understood.
2. You can’t earn all God gives you. If you had to put a price on it, how much would deliverance from 2,000 demons cost? The man did not, nor could he, earn his deliverance. It came to him by grace.
3. You have a story. You may not wear a preacher’s collar, or have a title, or ever stand behind a pulpit, but you have a story to tell. What has God done in your life? Whatever it is, God has been too good to you to keep it to yourself!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for ministering to me. You have met me, time and time again, where I was and reached me when no one else would. When I felt all alone, without hope, and without help, You manifested Yourself to me and for that I will always thank You. You went out of Your way to bless me, even when I know I did not deserve it. I now have a story to tell. I will not sit down on my story. I am available to You today and every day. Use me to share Your goodness with others for Your glory. Help me to have the confidence to tell my story. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
