2/5/2023 0 Comments The Stories I'll TellAs he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. (19) Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” –Mark 5.18-19 (CSB) Pen-y-Fan (Penny-Van) is the highest peak in South Wales, UK. It is a part of the Brecon Beacons and while anyone can hike it, it is physically tasking. As you hike, you’re likely to see future British Special Forces training alongside you as they run different exercises in full field gear. This hike was far harder than any other hike I have done, but the views were spectacular! But, then again, the mountaintops are always spectacular. We do not have to hike Pen-y-Fan to have a “mountain top experience,” but we do need to spend time with Jesus. Just this morning, I had a sweet time with the Lord in prayer and song as I drove to Moss Point. However, we can be tempted to dwell on the mountain top and not go and tell others. In today’s passage, we meet a man who had been demon possessed; the situation was bleak, and Satan’s demons had sought to destroy not only the image of God, but the image bearer. Once the demons were cast out, the man was described as “sitting there, dressed and in his right mind” (Mk. 5.15). God had done a work in the man’s life and he was on a mountain top. He had not known peace, but now he did. He had not known safety, as he was “cutting himself with stones”, but now he did. The people around him were more afraid at his healing than the demons (v17) and in response asked Jesus to leave. Maybe the man who was healed was also asked to leave or maybe he just wanted to go with the One who had healed him. But we know this: Jesus wouldn’t let him (v19). Instead, Jesus commanded the man to go home and report all that happened and “how much the Lord has done…and has had mercy” on him (v19). The man did and the people were “amazed” (v20). The mountain tops are great, but you can’t live there. You must come down and tell of God’s greatness. Let others hear how God has worked in your life and how he has transformed you. You have a sphere of influence that I do not have, and I have a sphere you do not have. May we seek to faithfully tell others how much the Lord has done and how he has had mercy on us. For Reflection
Read Mark 5.1-20. What stood out to you in this passage? Reflect on a recent “mountain top experience” in your journey with Jesus? What did you learn from that time. How has God used that mountain top to impact others? Pray Pray and ask God to help you embrace the lessons from the mountain top as you seek to impact others for the kingdom. Father, I thank you for saving me. You’ve done a great work and now I want to tell others. Help me see those opportunities and then respond in obedience this week. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Listen Today’s devotional title comes from The Worship Initiative’s song: “The Stories I’ll Tell.” You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsO044-GpWc
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AuthorPastor Kreig serves as the Pastor our Four Mile Creek. He is married to his wife, Kayla. ArchivesCategories |
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