An unlikely preacher Part 1

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 In Mark chapter 5, there's the incredible story of the Gerasene demoniac that undoubtedly is one of the most powerful stories told in Scripture. Obviously the miracle is that Jesus healed him by taking the demons out of him because they were "many" (verse 9). The demons were so aware of the power of Jesus as the Son of God that they earnestly begged Him not to torment them or "send them out of the country". They had a request: " Send us to the pigs; let us enter them" (verse 12) an He gave them permission. (Verse 13). After the demons entered the pigs, they were all rushed down into the sea and they all drowned. Interestingly enough they were about 2000 pigs but they were more demons than pigs. This is why. Jesus asked the unclean spirit: "What is your name", the spirit responds: "My name is Legion" (verse 9). A legion according to the dictionary is: " a unit of 3000 to 6000 in the ancient Roman army". No wonder they were "rushed". They had an over capacity. It also shows the immense power of Jesus that no matter how big your problem is, Jesus can instantly crush it at will.

So why an unlikely preacher? And I'm not talking about Jesus, I'm talking about the demoniac.

1. He lived in an unlikely place.

" He lived among the tombs" (verse 3)

What? He lived in a cemetery? What crazy person would do that? Well a person who's out of his mind, a person who is demon-possessed, a person who cannot execute the most basic functions of life. Have you ever been in an spiritual unlikely place in your life? Where nothing makes sense.Where your heart feels spiritually numb. Where you don't know what to do. I've definitely been there! But Jesus can rescue you from that bondage. Jesus can make that miracle happen that you've been waiting to happen. "He is the God who makes miracles". But I have to put a disclaimer here. Jesus does not always solve your problems the way you want Him too. Look at Paul. He asked the Lord three times to take his thorn away but He didn't. He gave Him grace instead while going through that trial. He can do the same for you. You just need to hang in there and trust that He knows better. I hear you. I know it's not easy but we need to try.

We should not only seek Him but also community, friends and family to help us through the dark times. They all play an important role. This demoniac lived in an unlikely place but he met a wonderful Savior that  saved him from the bondage of sin and eternal damnation.

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