Go Ye Therefore

Mark 5:19 - However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

As delivered and redeemed children of God, it is our responsibility to become disciples and proclaim the name of Jesus, to tell all what great things He has done for us. For some He has done amazingly miraculous deliverance; for others He has seemingly quietly changed their lives. In either case, Jesus has set us free from the burden of sin and guilt; we are new in Christ. It is the change in us that is seen which matters.

The scripture above was referencing an unnamed man Jesus and His disciples came across. This man lived a horrific life in the mountains living among tombs. He was demon-filled, quite vocal, uncontrollable, unable to be confined and often cut himself with stones. Demon possessed.

When Jesus appeared the man, because of the absolute power of the Lord, fell at His feet. The man, more likely the demons, cried out to Him not to torment him. We are reminded that even the demons tremble at God (John 2:19). This man had no control whatsoever over his own body.

I think about the day when He returns and we all will be able to see Him. Some day every knee will bow and tongue confess Jesus is Lord (Romans 14:11). Not one person will be able to stand in His presence. All will bow before Him. I pray my bowing will be graciously, without force.

Here Jesus merely appeared and the demons shuddered. This was not just one demon but many, as was pointed out when he gave Jesus his name of Legion. Legion: regiment, according to Strong's Concordance and can be 6,000 in number or more! Imagine being utterly controlled by that amount of force.  But the power of God was and still is greater than any amount of demons...if we choose Jesus...and confess His name. Those demons knew what they were up against and it seems they believed if they could be transferred from this man to another being, in this case 2,000 swine, they might have a chance to at least survive.

Little did these demons know the reaction of the swine. When they entered the swine they barreled down the side of a cliff into the sea (of Galilee). This man, set free from the power of those demons, wanted to be part of Jesus' entourage. Who wouldn't? But Jesus said no, instead telling him to spread the news of what happened to him, how the Lord had compassion on him and healed him. People were able to see the difference in this man. There was no doubt he had been delivered by a greater Power than those demons. Think about this: These demons indwelled him. When we know Jesus, He indwells us...this Man whose power is so much greater.

Imagine all the people who have been in addiction for anything. Imagine even those people who are so distressed they, too, cut themselves. Addiction of any kind is a form of possession, obsession. It is not normal; it does not come from God but from satan. In some cases might even be called demon possession. Our enemy is a demon.

Imagine also someone who has been set free of an (or many) addictions. Imagine the change that takes place. The life that is changed. The freedom experienced. The exaltation. True deliverance comes through an encounter with Jesus Christ. There are many programs available for the addict but not one has the same healing power of Christ. The physical part might be cleaned up but not the spiritual. Without the spiritual healing possession can return.

We may never be filled with a legion of demons but we are still sin-filled and in need of a Deliverer. We are all as filthy rags in the eyes of God until we receive the Christ who takes away the sins of the world. We all start this life dead to our sins. We all start life on equal footing. We will not all end our lives on equal footing in Christ, however. Some will cling to their old man...and even their demons.

We are called, whether demon possessed or just finally aware of our sinful spiritual condition, to proclaim the great things the Lord has done for us and His compassion for us. When people can see the difference they too might take this Jesus seriously. But it is up to us to do as this man: proclaim all that Jesus had done for him so that all will marvel.

Lord God, I ask that You renew this spirit in me that I might proclaim the wondrous things You have done. I thank You for Your compassion toward me, for gently wooing me into Your presence, for setting me free and opening my heart, eyes, mind and ears to all You are. Thank You for Your Word of truth and encouragement and comfort...words that are just as relevant today as they were back in the days when they were first written or spoken. Your words bring life to all who cling to them. Praise You!

As our pastor, Terry Fischer of The Church in Wisconsin, pointed out on Sunday, Jesus is the Word made flesh. Jesus made the word something more than you hear, but something you see. Jesus may not physically be walking on the earth today, but He is walking this earth in [those who have been delivered by Him]. So saints of God, let the message you preach be more than words, but let it be a message that is seen.

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Amen.