Mark 5 -- Are They Still Really Out There?

“When Jesus got out of the boat, instantly a man with an evil spirit … ran to Him, and fell down before Him.”  It’s amazing that a possessed man would run to Jesus when the demons inside him were saying, “What do You WANT with me, Jesus?”  They had been controlling the man, but somehow, deep down inside, the tortured man’s soul caused him to run to the only One who could help.  Immediately Jesus granted him release from the demons who had controlled him and he was instantly back in his right mind.  His natural inclination was to follow the One who’d set him free, but Jesus wouldn’t let him.  He said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you.”  He wanted the man to start to bear fruit for the kingdom rather than just basking at the feet of the Savior.

 

I think we tend to dismiss the thought of evil spirits today, but God’s word has not told us that they’ve all been banished from human bodies.  After reading This Present Darkness, I began to understand that they could be the cause of our besetting sins, sent to cause just enough trouble to keep a Christian knocked off-center.

 

Father, help us to know.  Just as You did in that day, make it clear if we’re fighting Satan or simply unwilling to give up an old part of our lives.  Help Your children to see the true enemy so that he can be defeated.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

 

Gary Ford