PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 5:14-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.” (Mark 5:17)
I’ve heard interesting theories as to why the spirits wanted to sent into the pigs.
The reason is obvious: they wanted to scare people away from Jesus.
This is how Satan works, scheming to distract, deceive, discourage and defeat us.
Notice how the pig-tenders respond – they beg Jesus to leave.
Satan creates a group of anti-witnesses, people who speak against Jesus.
But Jesus is not deterred; through grace He creates a witness for Himself.
“Go home to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)
Jesus is working in your life to equip you to witness for Him.
Satan is working in your life to keep you from witnessing for Jesus.
Whose work or influence has the upper hand in your life?
Look at how the enemy uses fear or deception or distraction to hold you back.
Here is a test: how eagerly do I tell others what the Lord has done for me?
If your hesitant to do this, that may be a clue as to whose influence is winning.
As a Jesus follower, don’t give in to Satan’s scare tactics to keep you silent!
PRAYER
Lord, my hesitation reveals to me how I am more influenced by fear than by faith. Help me be bold for You, and to trust Your power over the enemy’s.
Jesus upsets the ‘status quo’ – he did in my life and it gave me focus and direction – purpose. It seems the people were not ready to change – they feared the change – seeing what happened to the pigs made them afraid that Jesus would bring in change. We are resistant to change too – we can be frustrating to the HS who is working in us to change us – to sanctify us. I admit that for myself. Lord help me not to resist but to embrace the changes you encourage me to make – help me not to be satisfied with the status quo or crippled by fear.
What binds me?
What keeps me from serving Him?
The man was freed to be with Jesus and the towns people were bound to their own desires. I need to give up anything which keeps me from serving Him. To be free to serve is accepting my Master’s peace and love and grace. Free to serve. Free to love.
Bind Us Together
With Cords That Cannot Be Broken
Bind Us Together, Lord
Bind Us Together
Bind Us Together In Love
There Is Only One God,
There Is Only One King
There Is Only One Body,
That Is Why We Sing.