Mark - Chapter 5

Okay ... this chapter is the type of thing you see in movies. Seriously, this is the one about the guy with the legions of demons. I've seen some pretty scary previews of a movie that's out now (or will be soon) called LEGIONS. Interesting. We're still fascinated by demons - even today. Jesus, however, was only interested in getting rid of them. Some people don't like to think about this sort of thing and debates exist about the reality of demons. I have to chuckle because the demons aren't debating over who Jesus is - check out Mark 5:6,7 - those suckers knew who Jesus was and they were scared. I love that. As I read about the demoniac of Gerasene I began to ask questions like 1. How did he get that many demons? 2. Did he have a family? 3. Where is Gerasene? 4. Where is Decapolis? 5. What happened to him after he was delivered? 6. Why, if he was full of demons, did he "come out" to Jesus? 7. Here's the big question - How many people in our society today are suffering from this same sort of possession? (ewwwwww ... that's the yucky question). Well ... I found out where Gerasene is - it's to the east of the Sea of Galilee and Decapolis is the region that contained Gerasene and 10 other towns. Interestingly, Decapolis had a predominantly Greek and Roman culture/population. I bet this guy was a Gentile which would really make the Pharisees mad and probably made his disciples a bit uncomfortable. Jesus really is my hero because not only is he not afraid of demons, He's also not afraid of society. Sometimes I wonder which is worse?
Okay ... back to the story. Jesus delivers this man and about 2,000 pigs die that day. Were there that many demons in him? Regardless, Jesus rescued this poor soul from his torment. As I'm pondering and writing I remember how all of this applies to me - to us. Check out Mark 16:15-18 Yes, that's the scripture that reminds those of us who believe in Jesus that WE will cast out demons and lay hands on the sick so they will recover. Can I get an AMEN!!! Go back to Mark 5:21-43 and that passage is all about Jesus healing a little girl and a woman. I think so many times we, as children of the LIVING GOD, forget the power that Jesus put(s) into us. I'm done with that. I was at Wal-Mart today and my cashier told me that she is in constant pain b/c of arthritis and fibromyalgia. I decided to tell her about the healing power of Jesus, invited her to church, got her name, told her I'd be praying and spoke a blessing over her. I rejoice in the day that I am bold enough to say "May I pray for you right now" or "May I come back on your break and pray with you." Baby steps. I say all of this not to toot my proverbial horn, but to remind myself that Jesus was here for the people. He wasn't here for the church services, the music, the environment,the fresh sea air, or any of that stuff - he was here for the people. I have determined in my heart that so shall I be.