If you’ve met the Lord, you will know it. It will have far-reaching consequences. Many people don’t enjoy the faith, because they’ve never met the Lord first-hand. They’ve been in church many-a-time, but never met our Saviour and Redeemer.
Mark 5
1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For 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. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure 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.
14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When 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. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18 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.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Here we have a picture of a lost soul; a picture of hopelessness and helplessness – a life out of control. He did the most terrible things – things which hurt himself and others. Today there are so many things which can defile the youth in soul, body & spirits. Wherever one goes in the world, one sees how defiled people’s minds are. We need to pray that these things would not touch us, that we might keep our garments clean. That spirit of uncleanness didn’t die when those swine perished in the sea that day – it’s still very active today.
So this man had lost control of his life. Today there are many people who have lost control of their lives – who are ridden by demons and driven by lust. When they see the opposite sex, they lose control. In fact, it has gone so far that today some even lose control when they see their own sex. Today governments more and more are passing evil legislation, directly contrary to God’s word. The TV & internet can defile a person. Even old people lose control when they see the internet and defile themselves by looking at and reading evil things on the internet. They do it to their own hurt and detriment.
Many parents get desperate when they see their children heading for destruction because of the life they’re living. They set limits out of love to protect their children, although the children don’t appreciate it. However, it’s ironical how some parents try to stop their children from going to the movies, but then put an internet portal in the child’s bedroom, or have a TV in the house where their children see even worse things. The internet has very good uses, but is also masterfully used by the devil.
This man was spiritually dead, and felt himself at home amongst the tombs. Some resent to go to God’s house and hear His word. Do you feel at home amongst worldly friends, who are also spiritually dead? This man was a danger unto himself. It’s interesting to see how those who worship the devil self-destruct themselves. The devil destroys them physically, emotionally and spiritually. The devil is no easy task-master.
One of the greatest fears of the devil is that the Lord Jesus might get through to you, as He got through to this demon-possessed man. But praise God that He got through to this one man (you and me). Why did He do it? Because of His great love, not willing that any should perish. When Jesus reached the other side, this man fell on his face before the Lord Jesus, and then the devils lost control, and cried out. They should’ve made the man run in the opposite direction, but God overruled – in the same way He overrules in many a life. Many can testify how they found Christ in the most unlikely manner, and their lives were changed forever. When Jesus asked them their name they replied, ‘Legion’ – it’s a military term for an army regiment. Yet they feared and quacked, for they stood before Him who were their superior by far. They were no match for Him. Do you realise we’re in a battle. The devil knows we’re in a battle, although he tries to make us comfortable and tolerant of his devices.
After Jesus had set this man free, the people who knew him and saw the miracle, actually asked Him to depart from them. It’s mind-boggling, unbelievable. They didn’t want Jesus to work amongst them, for they knew it would have far-reaching consequences. They were ‘thinking’ people and knew that there was a price to pay, as the pig-owners found out. They didn’t see demons going over the cliff, but dollars. So it is today too. Many people are not prepared to let Him govern their life, even financially, and so they turn Him away. When Jesus changes a life it has far-reaching consequences and many are not prepared for that. They don’t realise that all these things are to their eternal profit. The gate to eternal life is so narrow, because it is only those who surrender unconditionally to the Lord who will make it.
In Rom 7:15 and onwards, we see the terrible state of a person whose life is out of control. He is completely ruled by sin. It is also a picture of a Christian who had lost control of his life. He has this ‘body of death’ dwelling with him. But praise God for Rom 8, where Jesus sets free and changes everything. As Bev Shea sings, ‘when Jesus comes He turns the night to day’.
Jesus still cared for those people who sent Him away. When the man wanted to leave with Jesus He sent him back in the hope that they’ll listen to him.
The devil is not in control of your life, neither are you. Jesus will have the last say.