One of my favorite stories in the gospels is in Mark 5. The narrative goes like this… there was a man in a village who had so many demons in him that he had to be shackled outside of town in the caves. It got so bad that he couldn’t be shackled any more and he kept showing up in town terrorizing the people. One day Jesus showed up and cast the demons out of this man. When the people of the town saw him dressed and in his right mind, they became fearful and begged Jesus to leave. The man then pleaded with Jesus to let him go with Him (a natural response for sure), but Jesus instructed him to stay where he was at and tell everyone what He had done for him.
As I pondered this story again this morning, a couple things jumped out to me. First, Jesus will go to unbelievable measures to rescue people. Did Jesus know that the whole town would turn their backs on Him? Yes! Did He know that that this was a dark place? Yes! But He went any way. He went to this town for THIS man. He walked into that town to rescue this man who was chained up. To set him free.
This comforts me as I think of my loved ones. I know with my whole heart that He will cut through the bars of iron and break down every wall of stone they have built up to rescue them. He will go into the darkest places just for them. Even if they are immersed in sin, following lies, and chained up in their past, He will find them and rescue them. We mustn’t stop praying because our prayers can and will make a huge difference in their deliverance.
Second, we may ask why Jesus didn’t allow this man to go with Him? I mean… didn’t He allow Mary Magdelene (with a similar story) to go with Him? I’m guessing it’s because his family, the people of his town and the surrounding towns needed to hear his story. He would be most effective staying right where he was. And his testimony saved many people. In Mark 5:20, we read that he went into all the surrounding villages and told people and “everyone was amazed at what he told them.” Something tells me that revival struck that area simply because of one man whose story of transformation spread like wildfire.
Let me encourage you to plant where you are. God has placed you exactly where He wants you to be… so that you’ll tell everyone. The people in your community, your circle, your family… they all need to hear. Your testimony can bring revival. It can literally awaken hearts to the gospel. This story amazes me every time I read it. I hope it encourages you today and that it might spur you on where God has planted you.