Passage of the Day:
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned, Mark 5:1-13.
Reflection:
Some Christians began 2024 unable to break free from some sort of spiritual bondage from their past. This addiction, bad habit, craving, or unwholesome desire has crippled you spiritually like the man in today’s featured passage. Like an individual unable to cope with anger management, this man left his wife and children to live alone, afraid he might do something to hurt them. When Jesus entered this man’s life, he knew that he needed help, but wasn’t sure what to do. This miraculous account illustrates that when you come to faith, demons don’t own you anymore.
Prayerful Action:
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 own people 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[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed, Mark 5:18-20.
Renewing Your Mind:
While some Christians are able to immediately break free from past addictions and bad habits, not every faith journey has a happy ending, Luke 9:62-63. The disciple often called Levi writes about a demon possessed man who turned back to his former way of life in Matthew 12:43-45. According to the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12, these spirits aren’t going anywhere. This truth is likely the inspiration behind of the words of Joshua 1:7-9. The more you allow Scripture to fill your mind, the better your chances are of finally breaking free of the addiction currently stifling your faith journey.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The lyrics of Dear X by Disciple serve as a reminder to cut ties with your former way of living, Colossians 3:5-9. May today’s devotion be a turning point and call to find freedom in Christ.
Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 