Rescued From a Life Among the Tombs

Mark 5: 18-20 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused , and said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

After having been freed from a legion of demons, the Gerasene man wanted to follow his savior. Jesus however instructed him to stay behind and tell his story to the people where he lived.

I identify with this Gerasene demoniac perhaps more closely than with any other character in scripture. We don't know his name or his whole story but what we do know is that demons had totally taken control of his being. He was harmful to himself, frightening and dangerous to others and could not function in society. All that was left for him was to ride out his days living among the dead. I've been there. And here's what: Jesus freed me too! Like this pig guy, (that's my nickname for him and myself) Christ's power to free us from the powers that enslave brought me back from a life that was very close to death. It made me want to follow and serve the Savior as well. We both were shown too much truth not to proclaim His name! We know that many people were amazed by his story and that's the last we hear from the pig guy. What about me? What will I do with the truth that has been given me? Most people manage their lives much better than I have. At least it would appear so from what I can see on the surface. Because of my demons, I believe I was taught some lessons about powerlessness and our dependence upon Jesus Christ that maybe most people don't have the opportunity to experience. I pray that I will be able to express my experience with living death, undeserved grace and liberating love that will pass on the truth that I have been shown.

Gracious Heavenly Father, Please give me the words and the love of You and my fellows that will make my story a testament to Your love, grace and healing power. Amen.