Don't leave

Friends,

Many of us are familiar with the story of the demon-possessed man who lived among the graves of the Gadarene countryside. Jesus commanded a multitude of demons ... known collectively as Legion ... to enter into a nearby herd of pigs, which then immediately drowned themselves in the sea. The reaction of the people is telling:

Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.
Mark 5:17 [NKJV]

The sight of 2,000 pigs hurtling down a steep hill and into the sea must have been shocking. But here was one of their own, a man who had been tormented for years ... to the point that he tried to tear himself apart ... sitting peacefully and filled with joy. No longer would he terrorize passers-by. No more would scream in agony and rage. No longer would he be forced to live among the dead, far away from his mother, father, wife and children. He was restored to life!

One sees all of this happen and must make a choice:
Rejoice, for the man one who was dead is again alive.
or ...
Worry about what other animals might end up swimming with the fishes.

The Gadarenes decided that their livelihoods were more important than a man's life. And therefore told the Messiah... the One who would be their eternal salvation... to get out.

Sisters and brothers, when Christ moves in your life, there will be times when it seems as though something has been lost. But be assured that what is gained by this move is far, far more valuable. The Lord brings us that which is eternal. Giving up that which will not last is no price to pay for such a possession. When it happens, do not plead with Jesus to leave you alone. Instead, understand what is really happening and rejoice.

Be encouraged, Jose

Plenty, but not too much for God

Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.
Luke 8:26-33 (NKJV)

This man had been possessed, tossed, manipulated, tormented and under a free-fall use by demons and the adversary. They even seized him and made him out of touch with life and made his place tombs in the wilderness. Some today continue to be hounded by unrelenting attacks of the adversary causing them to unconsciously give in under the constant pressure, stress and numbers of their attackers and challenges. The Lord saw this man of Gadarenes and asked what his name was, instead the tormentors and demons responded... Legion (plenty).

As soon as they hear of me they obey me; The foreigners submit to me. The foreigners fade away, and come frightened from their hideouts.
Psalm 18:44-46 (NKJV)

Their numbers couldn't stand before the King of kings. They quivered, trembled and came out of their hiding places and strongholds from which they tormented and dominated. They faded away at the presence of the son of God. As long as we continue to operate in the Lord's presence, strangers, cultures, influences, etc with any evil agenda will not have a way around us. They may be many, but one with God will always be in the majority and overcome.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi