Thursday, July 20, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Mark 5:1–20

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea.

The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. (NRSV)

Reflection
Reading a familiar scripture passage is not unlike revisiting a favorite work of art or listening to a treasured song from our past — if we’re fortunate, the cumulative effect of our life experiences develops greater perspective and wisdom to appreciate it anew.

I’m grateful that today’s passage revealed two previously overlooked lessons that are significant to someone wanting (needing) to be a better Christian.

Admittedly, I have always focused on the miracle in this passage. And why not? That Christ, if we ask, will cast out our demons makes for an engaging and straightforward lesson.

However, if this were all there was to the message, it would have ended with the drama of those poor, ill-fated pigs.

Instead, the post-miracle reactions of both Legion and the townspeople set some expectations for us as followers of Christ.

On one hand, the townspeople show us what not to do. Disturbed and afraid, they ask Jesus to leave, opting for the “comfortable” and “easy” of the status quo. How often do we, sensing that following Christ will be too disruptive in our lives, offer a tepid acknowledgment to his calling only to turn away unchanged in our earthly pursuits? Overlooked lesson number one: To be a better Christian we must be available and welcome the uncomfortableness of the radical change found in a Christ-centered life.

Now for Legion. He shows us what to do by seeking out and inviting Christ into his life. In fact, he’s so ready that he asks to go “all in” by joining Jesus. However, Christ has bigger, albeit more difficult, plans for Legion (and for us) — go back to your people and be a witness to those willing to hear the good news. Most significantly of all, Legion does exactly that!

It’s a wonderful end to an amazing story that leads to overlooked lesson number two: Do what Jesus commands and put our faith into action.

Prayer
Dear Lord, avail me to your disruptive, life-changing power and empower me to take on the challenge of being a living witness of Christ’s miracle and your promise so others might experience your glory. Amen.

Written by Ken Walker, Member and Trustee of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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