Word@work 056 - Mark 5:14-17
Published: Wed, 02/06/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 5:14-17 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 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. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man - and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. (NIV)
2000 pigs drowned caused quite a stir. The Gentile farmers had lost a good income - and there was no insurance. The swine-herds had failed in their duty; they needed to blame someone - so Jesus was the obvious choice. As the story went round the local towns, crowds flocked to the hillside (to see what had happened). Some would have been angry at their commercial loss; others just curious.
When they arrived at the 'scene of the crime', there was little appetite for salvaging pork carcases. What riveted their attention, far more, was the man with the reputation for extreme violence. He was now sitting quietly (not rampaging in a frenzy), dressed (instead of naked), and in his right mind (rather than distraught or wild). Mark records their reaction to the scene - utter fear ... of Jesus!
Why should Jesus produce that reaction? Clearly, He was more powerful than the distraught man. He was more powerful than 2000 pigs, and more powerful than the Devil himself. And He still is. Those who resist Christ, get used to coping with an evil world but believe they are in control - sad really; because they are not. When Jesus proves that He is the Master, He challenges every other authority to submit to Him. That is why even nice people want Him to go away. This may help you to pray for your colleague or neighbour; they are simply scared of having to submit to the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord. You are the Master - and I am glad. I pray for my friends who are scared to let you into their lives. Please help me to show them how much You love them, and what You have done for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
2000 pigs drowned caused quite a stir. The Gentile farmers had lost a good income - and there was no insurance. The swine-herds had failed in their duty; they needed to blame someone - so Jesus was the obvious choice. As the story went round the local towns, crowds flocked to the hillside (to see what had happened). Some would have been angry at their commercial loss; others just curious.
When they arrived at the 'scene of the crime', there was little appetite for salvaging pork carcases. What riveted their attention, far more, was the man with the reputation for extreme violence. He was now sitting quietly (not rampaging in a frenzy), dressed (instead of naked), and in his right mind (rather than distraught or wild). Mark records their reaction to the scene - utter fear ... of Jesus!
Why should Jesus produce that reaction? Clearly, He was more powerful than the distraught man. He was more powerful than 2000 pigs, and more powerful than the Devil himself. And He still is. Those who resist Christ, get used to coping with an evil world but believe they are in control - sad really; because they are not. When Jesus proves that He is the Master, He challenges every other authority to submit to Him. That is why even nice people want Him to go away. This may help you to pray for your colleague or neighbour; they are simply scared of having to submit to the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord. You are the Master - and I am glad. I pray for my friends who are scared to let you into their lives. Please help me to show them how much You love them, and what You have done for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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