PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 5:14-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.” (Mark 5:17)
I’ve heard interesting theories as to why the spirits wanted to sent into the pigs.
The reason is obvious: they wanted to scare people away from Jesus.
This is how Satan works, scheming to distract, deceive, discourage and defeat us.
Notice how the people respond – they beg Jesus to leave.
Satan creates a group of anti-witnesses, people who speak against Jesus.
But Jesus is not deterred; through grace he creates a witness for Himself.
“Go home to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)
Jesus is working in your life to equip you to witness for him.
Satan is working in your life to keep you from witnessing for Jesus.
Whose work or influence has the upper hand in your life?
Look at how the enemy uses fear or deception or distraction to hold you back.
Here is a test: how open I am to living my faith and sharing it with others?
Our hesitation may be a clue as to whose influence is winning.
As a Jesus follower, don’t give in to Satan’s scare tactics to hold you back!
PRAYER
Lord, my hesitation reveals to me how I am more influenced by fear than by faith. Help me be bold for you, and to trust your power over the enemy’s.
Jesus released this man from all the demons that possessed him – and now he is emboldened by Jesus to ““Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” That is exactly what we need to do as well. In recognition of God’s amazing grace through Jesus I too need to tell others what Jesus has done for me. He has healed me – my sins forgiven and now I may live in gratitude – help me Lord, HS, to share of your grace in my life! Yet I let things stop me that prevent me – Lord help me overcome those things that hinder me!
Those tending the pigs reported what had happened. Others came to see what had happened. The event brought fear in the hearts of the people. How can this be? Their eyes focused on the happening but not on Jesus. The man who was healed knew the Saviour. Those who saw the aftermath just saw the ‘dead pigs’. Wrong focus. I need to keep my eyes on Jesus.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS
WHEN THE TIDAL WAVE OF TROUBLE
AROUND YOU ROLLS
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS
HE WILL CALM THE STORMS OF LIFE
THAT TOSS YOUR SOUL
LIVING IN A WORLD THAT’S FULL OF SORROW
WE ARE TRIED AND TEMPTED EVERY DAY
KNOWING NOT THE SECRETS OF TOMORROW
WE FIND Rescue IF YOU WIN, WE WATCH AND PRAY
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS
WHEN THE TIDAL WAVE OF TROUBLE AROUND YOU ROLLS
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS
HE WILL CALM THE STORMS OF LIFE THAT TOSS YOUR SOUL