
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “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.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20
When I was in Israel last year I noticed that there was a Catholic church built over the sight of every major Bible story. So much so that my tour of Biblical sights quickly became a tour of strangely named Catholic churches. I told one of my Pastor friends that I bet there is a church where the "pigs rushed off into the sea", jokingly, just jokingly. And sure enough, there is a church built on that sight bearing that name. We didn't go see. I had no desire to see it.
It is obvious from this story that the peoples first thought about Jesus was that He was Satan himself. And that He was the one controlling the man called "Legion", for there were many demons in this poor man. They begged Jesus to leave the area, but Jesus told the man to stay and be a "witness" of His power in him.
I was quickly reminded of how many people fear Christianity because they see it as an evil or bad element of our society. This is true. Many people for whatever reason see our movement as the epitome of evil because we dare speak out about what the Bible calls wrong. Trust me, the more you follow Christ, it is just a matter of time before people start wondering if what you are into, is really a bad thing and not good for society.
Jesus did not do any miracles. No tricks, no schemes. He left only one man to be a witness.
This man:
Spoke truth
Presented his life as a witness
Stayed active in the community (The Decapolis of all places, that's downtown!)
Used the fact that he was well known as a testimony against his former lifestyle.
Never stopped talking about Jesus.
I think we need a few more good men like him, who are willing to be faithful disciples. Why don't we join him today?
Have a blessed day my friends
Pastor Vince
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