Read Mark 5:1-20
This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Year of Supernatural Manifestation”, with our mini-series on “The Miracles of Jesus”. Today we look at an encounter Jesus had with a demon possessed man. This story is a bit long. I will do my best to summarize it.
After Jesus spoke to the storm (from yesterday’s message), He and the disciples arrived in the land of Gad. When Jesus got out of the boat, a demon possessed man emerged from the tombs to meet Him. This would be a scene like something out of the modern-day movies. This man was in His element. He was possessed by a legion of demons and He roamed around in a cemetery day and night, crying out and cutting himself with stones. Whenever a group of men garnered the courage to attempt to subdue him, they would bind him with chains, only to have the demon possessed break through the chains, empowered by the supernatural power of darkness.
This man, full of demons, ran and bowed down before Jesus. He shouted at the top of his lungs and said, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you in God’s name not to punish me!” No one told this man who Jesus was. He properly identified the Messiah’s natural name (Jesus) and supernatural position (Son of the Most High God). This was revelation that came from the kingdom of darkness. Jesus looked passed the erratic behavior, the outward façade, and the awkward declaration, long enough to see a man who needed deliverance.
Jesus cut to the chase and spoke to the demon. He said, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit! What is your name?” And like something out of a horror film, a voice from inside the man said, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” But the demons knew they were no match for the power of God in Jesus. So, they begged Jesus to send them into a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus granted their request and the evil spirits left the man and went into the pigs. The herd of pigs then ran down a hill into a lake. There were about 2,000 pigs in that herd and they all drowned.
The people tending to the pigs ran off to report the event in town. The members of the town quickly gathered and asked Jesus to leave. But then there was this man, the man that no one understood, the man that no one could restrain, the man people thought was crazy, and he was now clothed in his right mind. The man had been tormented by a legion of demons and he was now free. As Jesus was preparing to get into the boat, the newly freed man begged to go with Him. But Jesus said, “Go home to your family and friends. Tell them what the Lord did for you today. Tell them how the Lord was good to you.” So the man left and told the people in the Ten Towns about the great things the Lord did for him. Everyone was amazed.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
- 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 to a who was being tormented by demons. He will do the same for you. The God of the universe will pursue you, just to bless you!
- No power compares to the power of God. A legion of demons was no match for Jesus. Jesus simply spoke a few words and 2,000 demons were cast out of a man. Don’t ever let the devil trick you into thinking it is a fair fight. The power of darkness is no match for the power of God.
- The power Jesus operated in (clear power over satan and the kingdom of darkness) has been given to you. One time Jesus sent out a group of His followers to minister to the bound. When the 72 followers came back from their trip, they were very happy. They said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!” Jesus answered, “I saw satan falling like lightning from the sky. He is the enemy, but know that I have given you more power than he has. I have given you power to crush his snakes and scorpions under your feet. Nothing will hurt you. Yes, even the spirits obey you.” (see Luke 10:17-20).
- You should tell your story. When the man possessed with a legion of demons was delivered, he wanted to go with Jesus. Jesus did not allow the man to follow Him and become one of His disciples, but He did urge the man tell his story. The man did just that. He left and told the people in the Ten Towns of the region about the great things God had done for him. Guess what? You too have a story to tell. You may not wear a clergy collar, you may never stand behind a pulpit, you may not carry a title, and you may not be able to quote scripture, but you have a story to tell. Don’t sit down on your story! God has been too good to you for you to keep it to yourself!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. This year I will experience Your supernatural power like never before. There is no power like Your power. Nothing and noone compares to You. You have all power, all authority and all dominion. Jesus overcame, so I can overcome. I have been given the authority to operate in the name of Jesus. No devil, demon or demonic influence has any power over me. I plead the Blood and the power of Jesus over my family this day, and I give myself over to You Father, to be used of You, to meet the needs of others. I enter this day with divine authority, supernatural power, and completely confidence in You! And I am not ashamed of what You have done in my life. I am going tell my story and tell it everywhere I go! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and prosper!
