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Written by Karen Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries” @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/
Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2023/06/09/the-gerasenes-demoniac-the-rest-of-the-story/
The Gerasenes Demoniac ~ The Rest of the Story
JUNE 9, 2023~ BRM7
by Karen Rudge
Mark, chapter 5, tells us that after Jesus calmed the raging storm, He and His disciples crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man possessed by demons met Him. This man lived in the tombs and would cry out night and day, and cut himself, and no one could subdue him. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his knees and shouted, “What do you want with me, Son of the Most High God? Don’t torture me,” for Jesus had said, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit.” Then Jesus asked, “What is your name?” and he replied, “Legion, for we are many.” The demons begged him not to send them out of the area so Jesus allowed them to go into a herd of pigs that rushed down into the lake and drowned.
I am sure the disciples at this time were wondering why the Lord would have them enter an unclean place for Jews. (During the time of Christ, the ten cities of the Decapolis and the surrounding region were inhabited mostly by Gentiles, not Jews, and the area had a strong Greek influence and many temples to foreign deities. The Jews considered this a very pagan area. In addition, the livestock nearby were pigs, an unclean food for religious Jews.) But the Lord had a purpose and it began with the healing of the demon-possessed man.
After the demons departed, the man who had been possessed was sitting there dressed and in his right mind. When Jesus was getting back into the boat the man begged him to take him with Him, but Jesus told him to “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). It would be great if the story ended there, but it didn’t. So let’s see what the rest of the story is.
The healed man “went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed” (Mark 5:20). The territory to which Jesus sent the man was one of the most challenging mission fields to which he had ever called anyone. The heaviness of pagan worship and demonic influence was strong, but because of this man’s witness, large crowds in the Decapolis followed Jesus. What an ending! Praise God.
When you accepted Christ, did you go back and tell others? That should be our “rest of the story” – telling how Christ freed us and what He has done in our lives. Our Story should not end with our salvation; it should be a continuing story of lives touched through Christ in us. Accepting Christ into your life is just the beginning…looking forward to the rest of your story.
POSTED IN BLOG, SPIRITUAL WARFARE, DISCERNMENT
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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
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