Video of the Day: Clip from the anime short “Legion”
Bible Verse 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.
Biblical Connection:
Upon encountering a man under complete demonic possession, Jesus wants to know what He is up against. The name legion refers to a large military unit. In the context of the Bible, a legion is 5,000 soldiers. Subsequently, as Jesus confronts the demons inside, an exorcism is necessary. Unlike Hollywood portrayals, Jesus is able to immediately bind and cast out this legion of demons.
At the end of this passage, verses 18-20, readers find out that this man has a family he hasn’t seen since becoming demon possessed. Immediately becoming a disciple isn’t God’s plan for this healed man, Romans 12:1-2. Rather, going home and telling everyone what God has down in his life is a much more powerful witness, giving hope to others currently oppressed by demons.
Closing Song:
Like food manufacturers in the United States which add byproducts into their food to make it hard for consumers to stop eating, the spiritual realm applies similar practices. Addiction, bad habits and cravings are fueled by unclean spirits that consumed this man. Instead of remaining bound by these spirits, God wants to heal and restore you just like the man in Mark 5. Don’t delay in seeking help by laying your burdens at the feet of Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 