No Fear. Full Trust.

Mark 5:15-17 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man – and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
 
WE continue with Jesus’ encounter with the demons in the region of the Gerasenes. Jesus’ primary mission was to save a particular man from the devil’s gross captivity. How wonderful to know our Lord God personally comes to each of us to deliver us from the Evil One. (Matthew 6:13b) Second, Jesus wanted to show to the Gentiles his power to change lives. But what was their reaction to the Deliverer?
   They became afraid. When 2,000-plus swine drowned in the sea, the community lost significant income. Even though Legion had possessed the man and given him enormous strength to threaten people of the region, they were more afraid of the Lord’s grace and love! There was no rejoicing, “The man is saved!” because the owners, herdsmen and merchants has suffered economic loss. With loss on their minds, the people could not know the Savior, who had delivered the man from evil, could give them that day their daily “bread” – food for a new mind of faith. A mind set in self-purpose is a very difficult mind to change.
   Where do you set your mind – on self or on the Savior? One way to consider your answer is to ask yourself, “Have I ever sent Jesus away?” Perhaps we have sent Jesus away when we told a “little white lie” to avoid blame. Or did we spend too much time with friends and miss good time to be with our family? Did you send away Jesus when you wanted to be angry with your spouse? We will tell Jesus, “Go.” when we reject his commands and kingdom principles. We like it where we are, even if disappointment chains our minds. What would have happened if the Gerasenes had welcomed Jesus? Surely something new and exciting would have come to them as
   That’s what happened to Sychar, the Samaritan village who welcomed Jesus: John 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. Faith changed minds and created a new community of faith. Fear certainly left that village.
   Your mind will change when you release fear to grasp onto the renewed mind the gospel promises: Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but are transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
   When the choice comes to tell Jesus, “Go.” or “Come.” embrace his mind-renewing grace. Worship him with the knowledge he has come to direct your mind to the possibilities of a full, satisfying life with him.