The Bible in 2020

Today’s reading

Numbers 8-10; Mark 5:1-20

Selected Verses

And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.” Numbers 10:35-36

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. Mark 5:18

Reflections

It was a creepy scene. Jesus unfazed met a demonic man in a cemetery. Three times the man begged the Lord for something. First, he plead with Jesus not to torment him. Second, the demons through the man begged not to be sent out of the country. Third, after being delivered from the demonic possession, he begged Jesus to allow him to be with Him.

What attitudes drove the man who begged these things from Jesus?

First, fear of torment. Despite being possessed by an unclean spirit, the demonic understood his guilt before the “Son of the Most High God.” He could only beg for mercy because torment was what he deserved. Jesus had the power to torment him but He showed him mercy.

Second, dread of destruction. Jesus had power to send the demons to hell. Instead, He sent them into the pigs. The herd stampeded and drowned. Legion was delivered.

Third, desire to be with Jesus. After deliverance, the now-healed man wanted to continue with the Lord. He sent the saved man back to his Gentile family and neighbors to tell them what God had done. So the man obeyed and returned to his people proclaiming to God's glory what Jesus had done for him. The response? The people were afraid of Jesus but they marveled at the testimony of the formerly demon possessed man.

In our Numbers reading, God's glory shone through the Israelites as He guided them on their journey to the Promised Land. Like Legion, Israel saw God's power to save His people from slavery in Egypt and then to lead them to their own land with freedom to serve Him.

Think about it

From Bible times right down till today, Christ's power delivers, heals, and sends His people as His witnesses for His glory in every nation. Has this been your story, too?

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission

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