Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

25 February 2025

Reading From Mark 5:1-20

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 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.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolishow much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”

—Mark 5:18-20

     The story of this demon possessed man breaks my heart.  The evil spirits caused him to self-mutilate and he lived as an outcast in caves with dead bodies.  I cannot think of a more miserable existence.  No one was able to help him until Jesus came along.  It had never occurred to me until today to ask the question of why there was a large herd of pigs in the Holy Land, given that according to Mosaic Law, pigs were unclean.  But the region Jesus was ministering in was east of the Jordan known as the land of the Gerasenes.  It was home to a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles and therefore the herd of pigs must have been owned by a Gentile. 

     When God changes our lives, we are given a charge by Him to go and tell others about the wonderful things He has done for us.  We need to be bold in testifying of His love and goodness because the world is such a cold and dark place.  People need the Lord.  They need His grace and mercy in their lives.  Only Jesus can redeem, heal, empower and bring hope to people’s hearts.  He is too great a treasure not to be shared with others. 

“Lord Jesus, I pray that You would bless Your sons and daughters with the courage we need to witness to others.  May we be bold in sharing Your love and message with those who are hurting.  Thank You that by Your death and resurrection we have victory over sin and death.  Demons must flee at the mention of Your Name.  Bring freedom and healing to those who are struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety and all manner of mental and emotional illnesses.  Thank You that You are our Great Physician, our Divine Healer, our Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

—Philippians 2:9-11