Mark 5:3

New International Version

This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.

For Encouragement

The man was somebody’s son. I believe his birth was a joy to his family and neighbors. But there he was, possessed by a legion of demons and living in the tombs without control of his senses (Mk. 5:2-6). His world was dark and ugly, controlled by the powers of darkness, imbued with extraordinary strength only Samson could rival. Chains became like straw on his hands and feet, and none could subdue him. With loud cries, the Gerasene demoniac roamed the hills and tombs day and night, tormented and cutting himself with stones (5). How wicked and cruel is Satan!

Millions of people live this way without Christ. They live under the oppression of the evil one, who is the ruler of the kingdom of the air (Eph. 2:2). It is a dark and oppressive world that deceives many with self-rule but living in bondage to the enemy. Many have become stressed at hypertensive levels, where everything looks good but is not. Some are depressed and hooked on several medications, pretending normalcy but deluded, while others are dying slowly. Like this powerful man I know, in terms of bondage, he could be the twin brother of the Gerasene demoniac, needing Christ.

I have not even mentioned the murky world of the confused minds who are challenging their sexuality and redefining the natural order, and you thought they were masters of their lives as they claim? Poor souls! Now you can understand the chaos of this world.

Thank God for Jesus, our Rescuer from the dominion of darkness (Col. 1:13-14). There is hope for all who look up to Him for salvation. For the Gerasene demoniac, Jesus’ sudden intervention delivered him from the torment of the Legion of Demons (Mk. 5:6-13). Imagine his relief and joy when the Savior set him free. The townsfolk were astounded to find him sitting with Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.

Do you see the Majesty and Power of Jesus, and why all creation bows at His word? Calvary terrorizes Satan’s army, and the blood-stained cross shatters the authority and control the evil one exercises over the hearts of the redeemed of Christ (Col. 2:13-15; Heb. 2:14-15). The angry storm over the lake crossing could not stop Jesus from reaching the demoniac on the other side (Mk. 4:35-41). The demons trembled when Jesus landed, and they begged Him not to destroy them, but His command sent them packing away from the man (5:6-13). They recognized their Creator’s voice, and they knew they were in trouble. 

Remember the day Christ interrupted your life and delivered you from your misery? Grace found you just as it found the demoniac and set you free. He rejoiced and became obedient to Christ’s command to tell His community that Jesus saves (Mk. 5:19-20). How about you (Matt 28:19-20)? Why don’t you step out, and like the delivered demoniac, let the world hear how much Jesus has done for you, about His mercy and grace that saved you through faith (Eph. 2:8). Your testimony is a powerful tool to inspire and encourage others in their faith journey.

Give Him glory, would you?

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for Jesus and the miracle on the cross at Calvary. You rescued me from the darkness and shame in which I lived but was unaware. I will rejoice and praise you into eternity and glorify you in everything by the power of your Spirit in me. Amen! 

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