Reference: Mark 5:1-20
It seemed to me that I had spent a very long time in a dark, chaotic, painful and cold place. I had forgotten what the bright sunshine; the fragrant smell of baked bread and the warmth of a hug, felt like. Though my body was still mine, I had lost all control of it. I felt like I was trapped inside my own body and could not move. The loneliness and fearful feelings inside this tomb made me want to break free from the chains that caused me great pain. Suffering from continuous pain, I deeply regretted that I had allowed this demon to possess my body. I was in such a pitiful state. My family and neighbors all tried and failed to come up with any solution. They were frightened and fearful of me and ready to give up on me. Desperation and hopelessness were my only companions…. until I met this person. He appeared to be an ordinary Jewish man, but He was able to speak directly to the demon. It was astonishing that the demons which had tormented me for so long were crying. In the blink of an eye, He banished them all!
I couldn’t remember how long it had been since I had given up all hope of being rescued, liberated and able to feel the warmth again. The extraordinary picture of thousands of pigs hurtling into the sea reassured me that this person had set me free! The person who banished the demon is The Light, His name is Jesus! He exists above humanity, this world and demons. The people in Gerasene, having witnessed what happened to the pigs, were frightened. They immediately asked Jesus to leave. I could not understand why they did that. I desperately wanted to ask Jesus to stay but they decided to ask Him to go! They did not understand how painful it was to be possessed by demons, therefore they failed to see how precious Jesus is. My first-hand experience was frightening but it helped me to understand the power, grace and mercy that Jesus possessed. Knowing how precious Jesus is, I grasped Him with all my might, and I will never let go.
I sincerely wanted to follow Jesus. I pleaded, but He did not allow me to go with Him. He told me that I should go home to my own people to tell them how much the Lord had done for me, and the mercy he had shown me. At that moment, I understood what He wanted from me. I had become one of His, even though we were apart, He will never forget me. He understood my suffering before we even met. He wanted more people to know His love and receive His salvation to be set free, just like me. I religiously followed His direction and went all over to testify to His great work. People were shaken by my personal life experience, many of them were willing to follow Jesus!
Every time I share His great work, I increasingly think of Jesus. I know that His heart is with me. This world is full of sin and the devil will try to tempt me away from Jesus. I must remain vigilant and careful, I must remain with Him, otherwise I will fall back into the pain I previously suffered. I must try my utmost to fulfil His task for me and treasure my new life in Him; to repay His great grace and the mercy he showed me.
Have you received this wonderful salvation from Jesus? Have you ever experienced His grace and mercy? Please do not ever forget, do not ever let go of Jesus. On the contrary, you must testify to His wonderful deeds and enjoy to the full your new life in Him.
Pastor Tobey Chan