“… 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.” Mark 5:19

 

After a very stormy night at sea, you and your tired friends land safely on shore. From nowhere, an extremely aggressive, bawling, naked man confronts you. He has an unclean spirit. Later, you discover that he lives among the tombs and that the blood-encrusted wounds all over his body were self-inflicted as a result of cutting himself with stones.

 

In Mark 5:1-20, you discover that this man really existed. An unclean spirit with the name Legion possessed him. Nothing could bind him – not even shackles and chains tied to his hands and feet. He merely wrenched the chains apart and broke the shackles in pieces.

 

Interestingly, when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him and cried with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” (Mark 5:7, ESV)

 

Why did this man plead so earnestly with Jesus? The evil spirit in the man that controlled his life recognised Jesus as the One who rules over everything – also over him, the evil spirit named Legion! Jesus immediately identified the unclean man’s problem and commanded with godly authority: “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” (Mark 5:8) At the same time, he disposed of the evil Legion who detestably distorted God‘s image in man. He allowed Legion to enter a herd of approximately 2 000 pigs. They rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned – not one survived.

 

Our Jesus, an inseparable part of the Trinity, will never look on while his human creations suffer and perish. He frees us from every attack of evil on our spirit, soul, and body – that is, if we ask Him in earnest. He is at the ready to take your hand and mind, and free us from every afflicting sin, addiction, deviation, etc.  

 

The wild man with the numerous evil spirits, exists no more. Jesus’ authoritative command to the unclean spirit of Legion in the man, brought about complete absolution in his life. Thus, the request to go with Jesus and his group was not strange. Jesus’ plan with him stretched further than his deliverance – there were people who had to hear what had happened in his life! “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19)

 

Did he follow Jesus’ advice? “… he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marvelled.” (Mark 5:19-20)

 

The question posed to you: did you go to your house and those of your friends and tell them what wonders Jesus did in your life?

 

Prayer: Our loving and gracious heavenly Father, thank you that people are still your priority and focus. Thank you that you also trust us with your “Go Tell” agenda. And that you never expect us to do things all by ourselves, but that the Holy Spirit in us strengthens and empowers us to do all things. Amen.