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 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 how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
The demon-possessed man had been healed and cleansed. He had seen Jesus' power and mercy. He wanted nothing more but to continue on with Jesus as he left. He begged him. Jesus tells him to go to his friends, family, neighbors, leaders...to everyone and tell them about Jesus' mercy. He was told to tell them how Jesus had hooked him up, how he had changed him. He now had an awesome testimony of Jesus' power and mercy. We have a testimony too. Jesus wants us to share it! We have to share it. How nice and caring Jesus was and the mercy he showed. Jesus sent this man out to be a missionary among the pagans to proclaim Jesus' kindness. He is one of the first missionaries for Jesus. He goes out and tells the people and what happens? They were amazed by what they heard. People most likely knew the man. You act crazy, especially demon possessed crazy, you become a local legend. This man who had been self destructive was now in his right mind talking about the guy who sent their family business off a cliff to drown. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was a miracle, this man who had been non-restrainable was now self composed and preaching. He was preaching everywhere. It says he went to the Decapolis. The Decapolis was an area of ten cities. Deca means ten, polis means city. The word of the man's curing would have been spread well before he got to the different places to share his story.
The demon-possessed man was a loser who had let evil into his life so much the demons eventually took over. This isn't sin, but full-blown submitting to evil. It starts like a gateway drug: it starts small and it's no big deal. After time though the occasional wake-and-bake turns into an all night coke bender. The drugs take over. Your body wants more, wants something stronger. Eventually more drugs are needed to keep your body satisfied. On and on it goes till something bad happens. You go to jail, you overdose, you lose your job/friends/family or any combination of the three. Demon possession is like that: it starts with little demons trying to figure out what it needs to survive, and as you feed it, it gets bigger, stronger, and wanting more control over your life. Eventually, it is stronger than you are. Your life is overtaken by your demon or multiple demons.
Jesus knows we can be tempted, but he gives us instructions for what to do. Matthew 26:42
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.Jesus told us to watch and pray. If you are keeping your eyes open, being aware of what is going to tempt you, and are talking to Jesus about what you struggle with, how much more could you guard yourself from evil? Satan would love nothing more than to lead you away from Jesus. It'll start small and before you know it you have snowballed yourself into a huge mess. Be watchful and pray!
Dedicated to Marisa Tyler 1968-2012 May God rest your soul.
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