Daily Devotional for Friday, September 15

The Maniac of Gadara 

“And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,” Mark 5:5, 6.

Ephesians 1:21, speaking of Christ, says, “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come.” God has put Christ above all. There is no power in Heaven or on earth that can subdue Christ. This is what we see in today’s Scripture reading. By the description of this man, it was definite he was demon possessed. This is not the only man Jesus healed who had a demon, but this man had many demons tormenting him. They made him crazy, yet very strong. Given the full description, it was apparent people were afraid of him.

Then came Jesus! This man, though possessed, ran to Jesus, fell down and worshiped Him. Notice what was said. “What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not” (Mark 5:7). This was the demon speaking. He recognized Jesus and who He was. People were afraid of this man because of the demons, but the demons were afraid of Jesus. Notice, however, in verse 9 the demons’ name was Legion, meaning many. While they tormented the man, they asked Jesus not to torment them.

All Jesus had to do was to tell the demons to come out of the man, and they obeyed. After this the people saw the man in his right mind but were afraid. Is fear a reaction we should have when we see the power of God at work? No! Jesus did great works so people would understand who He is.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: We should fear God for who He is but not be afraid of Him. Your salvation has made it possible for the power of God to be in you. He has already delivered you from Satan. Instead of fear, rejoice! 

Karry Irizarry