Word@Work 057 - Mark 5:18-20
Published: Thu, 02/07/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 5:18-20 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family 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. (NIV)
Jesus was not wanted there. The town and country people considered him too hazardous. But one man knew differently. The naked violent psychopath, was now dressed and fully rational - and he knew that if it had not been for Jesus, his life could never have been changed.
He begged Jesus to allow him to join the disciples. This was not the terrified pleading of the demons in verse 12, or the desperate demands of the people (to get rid of Jesus) in verse 17. This man was so 'on-side' with the Son of God that it was painful for him to be left without Him. Perhaps he thought that if Jesus left, the demons would come back. But Jesus had left His mark of authority on the man: he was both saved and safe. And (although he did not initially realise it), he was now a part of the 'family business of God and Sons' (cf John 1:12) ... and there was work to do.
Unlike the disciples on their training course (learning how to lead the church), this born-again man was simply told to tell his family how much the merciful Lord had done for him. Even today, some Christians like the idea of being important in the fellowship - but have difficulty in straightforward verbal witness to those close at hand. Those who have been changed by Christ ... should say so! It is always a 'today' task. You will be surprised at the reactions of your colleagues: some will be amazed to hear your story. So why not tell it, look out for the opportunity; today!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful way You have changed my life. Help me to be so confident in the truth of what you have done, that I will never be ashamed to say that I belong to you, and why. Give me the wisdom to realise that witnessing to my family and work friends is as much Christian ministry - as any service within the church. For your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus was not wanted there. The town and country people considered him too hazardous. But one man knew differently. The naked violent psychopath, was now dressed and fully rational - and he knew that if it had not been for Jesus, his life could never have been changed.
He begged Jesus to allow him to join the disciples. This was not the terrified pleading of the demons in verse 12, or the desperate demands of the people (to get rid of Jesus) in verse 17. This man was so 'on-side' with the Son of God that it was painful for him to be left without Him. Perhaps he thought that if Jesus left, the demons would come back. But Jesus had left His mark of authority on the man: he was both saved and safe. And (although he did not initially realise it), he was now a part of the 'family business of God and Sons' (cf John 1:12) ... and there was work to do.
Unlike the disciples on their training course (learning how to lead the church), this born-again man was simply told to tell his family how much the merciful Lord had done for him. Even today, some Christians like the idea of being important in the fellowship - but have difficulty in straightforward verbal witness to those close at hand. Those who have been changed by Christ ... should say so! It is always a 'today' task. You will be surprised at the reactions of your colleagues: some will be amazed to hear your story. So why not tell it, look out for the opportunity; today!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful way You have changed my life. Help me to be so confident in the truth of what you have done, that I will never be ashamed to say that I belong to you, and why. Give me the wisdom to realise that witnessing to my family and work friends is as much Christian ministry - as any service within the church. For your Name's sake. 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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