“And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/mrk.5.19.esv

This man had lived for years in torment from demons. Not only was he isolated from the community but his family also. When Jesus came to the area, this man was converted. Jesus healed him and set him free. One would think this would be an occasion to celebrate, however the people of the area begged Jesus to leave!

The man, having experienced such healing and grace from Jesus wanted to leave with Jesus yet Jesus doesn’t let him. Instead Jesus tells him to stay back and go home and be a witness of the Lord’s healing and grace.

Can you imagine being the city that tells the Lord “we don’t want your changes here”? What about the group of people that say: ” you’re costing us too much, go away from here!” The city is made of individuals who all agreed. Are you one of those individuals?

The healed man was the only convert of Jesus in this area and so Jesus told him to stay back. It was now his job to evangelize and make known what the Lord had done for him. Many think evangelism and witnessing is too difficult but as we can see from this story, it’s simply sharing how the Lord has changed you with your family and community.

There is no doubt the man had been radically changed and everyone in the area could see the difference. The Lord left him there to be a visible reminder of all the Lord could do in someone’s life. Maybe you feel alone in your context but remember your mission and purpose and Jesus has promised to never leave you or forsake you! Simply let the Lord use you as His example of a changed life where you are and know you are there intentionally; they may not know the Lord but they cannot deny that something is different in you.

How have you felt alone or isolated lately?

Do you feel like you have a sense of purpose or mission?

Is there somewhere else you feel you’d rather be but the Lord has kept you where you are? Can you see His reason for that?

How has God used you as an example among others who do not know Him?