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Mark 5:2,8-9,18-19 – And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. … [Jesus] was saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He replied, "My name is Legion, for we are many." … As [Jesus] was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (ESV)
In my early years, errors of judgement and traumas of life evoked strong emotional responses in me. Oppressive forces latched onto and hid behind the sin, guilt, and shame. These were external entities that were seeking to damage and destroy my life through demon oppression, obsession, and depression.
Over forty years ago, in the hospital, I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit, Who called me to leave my work, go to Bible college, and serve Him. Over a period of time, the oppressive forces were dealt with supernaturally by prayer, Scripture, and Holy Spirit ministry, sometimes with instantaneous results, and other times over a day or two. It was truly a remarkable thing — even bizarre — to have clear insight after being instantly set free and given one's right mind back!
The man with Legion is significant for me because the influence of Legion made him anti-social and a danger, so he was ostracized by the community. When Jesus healed the man, He brought reconciliation, acceptance, forgiveness, re-entry into the local community, and a future with Jesus within His kingdom. Undoubtedly like the man with Legion, I was crying out in desperation, in recognition that something was wrong, asking for help to deter evil, to gain control over the situation, and to be delivered from external forces seeking to stop or nullify what I was doing and would do for God's kingdom. Praise the Lord that Jesus met me at my point of need, and my life was changed.
However, life and the devil have continued to plague my inner faith, hope, and love which are stored in Jesus. Sometimes, it comes through arguing, or pleading with, or questioning and doubting Jesus. Sometimes, it comes in the form of temptations such as pleasures of the flesh, television, mammon, fear of getting older, or fear of getting dementia. Sometimes, evil is physical, confrontational, and unpleasant.
I seek to be available to Jesus, and to put my trust in my journey with Him and the Word of God. As a consequence, I dare not go far from the Word and prayer because the lies of the evil one are relentlessly waiting to catch me out if I stray spiritually.
I believe that Jesus welcomes all those who earnestly seek Him, no matter what the circumstance. Even Legion had to obey the name of Jesus, so no one is beyond Jesus' desire to set free and comfort. Ask Him today.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being there. Even when we feel alone and are isolated, You will come and find us. We welcome You into our midst today. Amen.
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Thanks for the good reminder, Rod.
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Rod – what a blessing that Jesus meets us where we are.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today! To God be the glory! Blessings.
Good morning, Roderick,
Yes, even when we struggle with things happening to us, we are not alone.
Thank you for the reminder.
Hi Rod
It saddens me too many Christian folks dismiss the activities of the demonic even though Paul has much to say about powers and principalities.
Blessings for sharing to help open the awareness, Rod.
Thanks, Rod, for your important and very good words today. You are doing a great job of going forward in your journey with Jesus and keep it up.
Accepting Jesus into our lives and being thankful for Him each day gives us a precious existence. Blessings for these special writings you prepare.
HI Rod,
Your story is remarkable. You, however, are not alone in facing “legion!”
I admire your ability to tell your story, admit the challenges you face today (which, in fact, we all face in some form), and face each day.
Thank you.
Thank-you for sharing. A powerful testimony.
You’re right, we still get tempted to doubt, stray, etc. as we get older. When I was young, I never imagined having struggles in older age.
But I am so glad that I have God to turn to and to comfort me in these struggles.
Take care and God bless you.
Hi Rod. Thank you for sharing your experiences in such a powerful and instructive way. I appreciate your openness because it is such a difficult topic and sometimes hard to understand for others who have not witnessed how the devil operates. You always give us such strong and faith-building lessons in your devotionals. I can see why the devil would want to take you out! May God continue to give you the strength and courage to be more than a conqueror.
(BC)
Hello Rod. That is quite the confession of troubles – spiritual, social, emotional – and the solution, JESUS. Thank you for this. What will stay with me most of all is your statement that you dare not stray far from His WORD. It is truly amazing how HIS WORD changes us from the inside which then brings about changes in our social abilities and our lifestyle.
It occurs to me that you have been both “strong and courageous“, and many people have benefited from your willingness to share your experience, your struggles. All glory to God, and thanks to you. I have benefited many times from your reflections. God bless.
Rod,
I have never thought very deeply about this passage from Mark. It was another miracle that Jesus performed while he was here. Your devotional opened my eyes to looking at it more deeply with a better understanding of how it affected Legion and how we can see it in our daily lives. Sharing your experience has helped me to understand the importance Jesus telling Legion to go home and tell people about his experience because other times Jesus has told them to tell no one.
When we share our faith experiences with others, it helps everyone feel and see the situation clearer. Thank you.
Dear Roderick!
Your devotional today was very touching. It touched my heart. I am so glad that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and that he is always near. The evil one cannot take control of our lives when God is in control. After reading your message today I went back to a portion of a Poem that I read last year. Here it is:
“Through unforeseen storms and life’s turbulences You are always with me,
You – ever Divine and all that I want to ever and always see.
I don’t have to look far or seek You at a distance because You have bound me in Your Grace,”..
Peace!
Thanks for your testimony, Rod. It’s encouraging to many.
Hi Rod
Thanks for your openness in telling your story. I have tended to write off stories of “evil spirits,” but your stories made it real to me.
Thanks.