“The demons implored Him, saying,
"Send us into the swine so that we may enter them." Jesus gave them
permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd
rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they
were drowned in the sea.” (Mark 5:12-13, NIV)
The man lived out his days overpowered
and tormented in every facet of life by demonic oppression. His emotions were
so explosive and violent that chains could not contain him. He fled the
constant inner hellish onslaught by dwelling in a place no one would usually venture. This wild man spent his life roaming without
relief, screaming and raging at the world and his tormenters while cutting at
his very flesh to release the demons
haunting him without mercy. The people around him lived in fear of him but
could do nothing to help him much less to contain him away from their
community.
The path of Jesus traveling through the
region intersected with this tormented man.
Jesus came by and the life of this man would never be the same. The
demons so overpowering of the man now trembled in fear at the presence of the
Son of God. Jesus cast out the legions
of evil in an instant and instantly the man was given a peace beyond
understanding. After this miracle … Jesus sent the man to his family.
This tender act is often overshadowed by
the miracle and is hardly even noticed, but it shows the deep compassion of
Jesus. Jesus knew the brokenness of this
family. He knew the lifetime of sheer heartache and loss they had endured as
their son and brother was worse than a dead man to them. Jesus sent his redeeming and restoring mercy
in the gracious gift of a new son and brother to them.
Jesus does miracles today … millions of
miracles. Miracles of release, healing and mercy in countless lives. The miracles are powerful, amazing and life
changing but we must never forget the great gift of redeeming and restoring
mercy and grace that comes after the miracle.
This is the power of the Risen Christ. He always brings new life to the
brokenness of life before He comes again to us … over and over, again and again.
But Jesus said, "No, go home to
your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how
merciful he has been." (Mark 5:19, NLT)
Suggested Bible Reading ... Mark 5
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