Devotional
It Only Takes One
Week of March 8, 2009
Mark 5
The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"
9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
"My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil 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.
14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When 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. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but 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." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
The scripture above tells of a demon-possessed man who lived a tormented life until Jesus arrived and drove out the demons. What is remarkable about this story is that the man went from being demon-possessed one minute to being an evangelist in the next. How? He simply followed Jesus' instructions by going home and telling people what the Lord had done for him.
The Decapolis was a sinful region when Jesus first went ashore, but after news of what Jesus had done for the demon-possessed man began to spread, the people were in awe of Jesus' powers. In fact, when Jesus returned there later, he was overwhelmed with people wanting to be healed. The Decapolis was turning from its sinful ways, and it all began with one man sharing his story.
We may feel that we are not equipped for evangelism. We may feel we don't know enough about the Bible or theology. However, Jesus wants to use you as you are. Jesus just wants you to share your story with others. What has Jesus done in your life? It doesn't matter how big or small the story seems to you, you need to share that story with others. Tell the story in your own words straight from the heart. Start with your family, your friends, your neighbors and your co-workers. Maybe one day you will even share that story with a stranger. One person sharing his/her story can have a domino effect as other people pass your story on. Who knows? They may even be inspired to share their story also.
Prayer: Our most gracious heavenly Father, help us to get out of our comfort zones and share with others what you have done in our lives. Help us to look for the many blessings you bestow on each day and remember the times that you have helped us in troubling situations. Give us the words to share with others so that all may know of your love. This we pray in your blessed Son's name. Amen
