Graveyard Life

April 12

(Luke 8:26-29 NIV) “They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. {27} When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. {28} When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" {29} For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.””

(Mark 5:1-8 NIV) “They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. {2} When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. {3} This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. {4} For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. {5} Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. {6} When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. {7} He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" {8} For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!""

After calming a life threatening storm, Jesus was confronted by a life threatening demoniac. This guy was scary. He lived among the dead in a cemetery and ran around naked. He regularly cut himself with sharp rocks, and threatened anyone who came near. He was so strong that no one could control him. He had even broken chains that had been used to subdue him. But when he saw Jesus, he ran up to Him, fell on his knees, and begged God for mercy. Darkness cannot stand in the holy light of God. The evil spirits living in this man recognized the divine, and immediately began negotiating terms of surrender. Even the demons believe in God… and they tremble. They knew Christ’s name and where they belonged in relationship to Him. They were submissive to the Lord of lords. And they still are! Invite Jesus to come into your graveyard of a life and He will set you free. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day