A Story to Tell

Leviticus 9:7-10:20 Mark 4:26-5:20 Psalm 37:30-40 Proverbs 10:6-7

Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.  As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. – Mark 5:18-20 TNIV

Isn’t it interesting how the people were more concerned about the pigs than the healed demoniac? This man has been possessed for years. They have tried to control him, to chain him up, but he breaks out and continues to terrorize the community. Yet, when they see him in his right mind and see their herd of pigs are gone as a result, they ask Jesus to leave.

Now, our man has found a new life with Jesus. He is basking in Jesus’ love, soaking up all he can. When Jesus starts to leave, he wants to go, too. He wants to continue to be in Jesus’ presence. But Jesus tells him to stay behind.

Going back to the people of the community, we find a group of people who have just lost a lot of money with the demise of the pigs they were raising to sell. That personal loss was all they could see at the moment. After some time, they hear the possessed man tell his story. A story of a rescue from demonic slavers to freedom in Jesus’ love. Not a theological argument, but an experience that touches the heart, mind, and soul.

We may not have a story as amazing as the possessed man to tell, but if we have experienced God’s love and truth personally, we do have a story to tell. A story that someone relates to and responds to in a way no preacher could.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the way You’ve changed our lives with Your love and truth. More than anything, we would like to just be in Your presence, to feel Your love, and listen to Your teaching. While we are here, give us opportunities to tell our stories to anyone who will listen. Let our experience of Your love and truth resonate with someone we meet this week. Amen.