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Mark 5:14-20
In Mark 5:14-17 the Bible teaches us that the ones who had been tending to the large herd of pigs went to the city and the countryside telling of this great event so that all came to see for themselves. Mark 5:15 (NKJV) states, “Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.” They then pleaded with Jesus to depart from their region of the country (Mark 5:17).
In Mark 5:18-20 as Jesus is getting into the boat to depart, the man that Jesus healed pleads with Him once again, but this time it is not the demons speaking through the man but the man himself, healed and grateful to Jesus for saving him. This man is now pleading with Jesus that He let him go with Him. Jesus replies to the man in Mark 5:19, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” This man did not go away sad because Jesus would not allow him to go with Him, but he began to proclaim all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled (Mark 5:20). Jesus had left a witness, a disciple to tell others about Him; a great example of the change that Jesus can have on a person who will believe in Him.
This is a great example of being a witness for Jesus and of the change Jesus can make in the life of one who will believe in Him.
This man, being healed and excited about his new life, was denied by Jesus to go with Him; he was denied his request. But he was given a mission by Jesus. A mission that was not what the man had requested, but a mission that was in the will of God for this man who had been healed and physically and spiritually could be a witness for Jesus in that region – in a place where everyone knew this man and he could not be denied that a greater power had healed this man. This man’s mission for Christ Jesus was to proclaim that the healing power that came to him was Jesus, the Son of the most high God.
If you feel that God has denied your request, do not let it be discouraging to you, but seek what the LORD has put in your heart to do for Him. This is the LORD’s will for your life. Pray about it; ask God to give you strength to stand tall for Him in whatever it is that the LORD has put on your heart. And remember…it is about seeking God’s will for our lives over what we may desire of ourselves.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own
understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)
Dear LORD,
It is Your power that heals us; it is Your strength that sets us free from the chains of the demons of Satan; it is Your desire to give us new life that we may go and tell others of the great things You have done for us. Please encourage our hearts, minds, and souls in the strength and saving power of Jesus to let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.