Today’s “Coffee with the Lord” post could be viewed as a sequel to yesterday’s post about the importance of testifying about the miraculous things the Lord has done for us.
You’ve got to picture this… The guy was plain scary! Possessed and controlled by a host of demons. When he was asked his name, the demons inside him answered… They uttered the name “Legion… for we are many.” Violent! Uncontrolled! Any attempt to control his destructive and violent behavior had failed… they tried to chain him and he tore off the chains apart and broke the shackles. He lived out in a graveyard. During the day and late at night you could hear his eerie screams (scared the kids half to death!) Self-destructive – continually cut himself with sharp stones – a total societal misfit! Helpless, hopeless, completely out of control!
He showed up just as Jesus got off the boat when He arrived in the Gerasenes. The guy came screaming out of the tombs and with multiple, creepy, demonically produced voices screamed, “What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” Imagine it! What a welcoming committee, eh?
Jesus spoke a divine word of authority… “Come out, you unclean spirit!” The demons in the man began to beg not to be disembodied and instead asked to be sent into a nearby heard of pigs. The destructive character of demonic power is clearly revealed in that when Jesus gave them permission to enter the pigs, they run down a steep bank and drowned themselves in the sea, nearby.
But the man was delivered – obviously cured and set free! When people come up to see him he was sane, clothed, sitting down, listening to Jesus in total mental, physical and emotional control!
As Jesus got into the boat, ready to leave the region, the man begged to go along with Jesus. But Jesus urged him instead, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you!” In other words, “Go share your testimony with others!” And the Bible says, he did, and “began to proclaim in the entire region how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.” (From Mark 5:1-20)
Your story may – or may not – be as dramatic as this story in the Bible. However, it is significant! Share it! Step out in faith as you have opportunities and tell others what the Lord has done for you! Your faith will grow and the lives of others will be transformed as they are encouraged to trust God to help them with seemingly impossible challenges in their lives.
I’ll begin a new series of Bible studies this Sunday, April 3 in Truth Seekers Class at Trinity Church, Cedar Hill, TX… “Walking with God” – A Life-Transforming Journey! In the class we will explore what the Bible has to say about the greatest journey anyone can be involved in… “Walking with God!” – An exciting adventure filled with with all kinds of experiences but led by the greatest companion and guide anyone could ever have… God Himself! The class begins at 10:45 a.m. in the Heritage Room… You’ll find great friends, tasty refreshments, and uplifting Bible study! See you there? Class will run Sundays April through June.
