Overview of: MarkToday's Reading:
Mark 5:1-43
"Power over Demons, Disease, and Death"
Focus Verses: Mark 5:17-20
17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but 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." 20 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.
Insight:
In the first chapter of Mark's gospel, he records that Jesus began his ministry by proclaiming, "The time has come, the kingdom of God is near." Jesus not only proclaimed the news of the kingdom, he demonstrated the power of the kingdom. In today's reading, Jesus gave powerful signs of the kingdom's power over demons, disease, and even death.
After being delivered, the man who had been possessed by demons wanted to go with Jesus. He was directed by Jesus, instead, to go home to his family and tell them how God had been merciful and how much God had done for him.
Response and Action:
God's mercy and power are greater than the circumstances and problems I face--both spiritual and physical. God's mercy and power are available to me through Christ Jesus. I will look to Jesus for the strength, mercy, and deliverance I need to face life's challenges and afflictions. I will be faithful to tell others about God's mercy and goodness to me.
O God, thank you for Jesus who has brought the good news and power of your kingdom to me. By your power and mercy, help me through the difficulties and heartaches of life in this fallen world. Make me ready and quick to tell others of the many ways you mercifully bless and save. Bring your kingdom to earth, O Lord. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 103:2-5
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
In Context: Psalm 103
Proverb for Today: Prov. 15:11
"Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!"
Recommended Reading:
Miracles
by C. S. Lewis
