Mark 5:18-20

Mark 5:18-20 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 family 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 Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Do we have a testimony or do we have a prayer request? Sometimes I believe the church is more into prayer requests than into testimonies. Maybe we should emphasize testimonies more in our gatherings. We sometimes are better at counting all our burdens and troubles than we are at enumerating our blessings. Jesus told the man who had been demon-possessed, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” This is a direct order. Jesus did not want the man to follow him around as a servant, as a helper; he wanted him to give his testimony to his own people, to those who knew what he was like when he was demon possessed. He wanted the people to hear about the mercy and the power of the Lord. He wanted the people to be amazed. For now out of the lips of a man who spoke only vile and degrading words, came the words of redemption and blessing. Jesus knew this contrast would make the people amazed. He knew that this transformation would bring glory to God.

How much more in this day should we be talking about God's blessings and deliverances. Many of us in this last year have been transformed, many of us have heard God's voice more clearly. Many of us have seen changes in our family that are positive. We should proclaim those victories. We should tell the people around us of God's goodness and mercy. Yes, Jesus redirected the man away from following him back to his family and friends. That was where the work was to be done. That is where the testimony was to be shared. Jesus knew that this man would be carrying the "Good News" back to a darkened land. He knew this would be a great light, one that could not be snuffed out. We, too, have a testimony to share. We, too, have a word of encouragement for the lost. We should share our testimonies gladly, and we should share our victories with our fellow believers and others. As many of you know, Jacqueline and I moved a year ago last August, and right when we moved the bottom dropped out of the housing market. Instead of being able to quickly sell our home in Auburn, it took us well over a year. During that year, we lost a lot of money and our faith was tested. But God kept telling us to trust him. Then on the day that the stock market fell 800 points, on that impossible day when the consultants were saying on the TV, "Don't buy a house," we received an offer on our home. All our neighbors knew this was a miracle, and we have been able to share this "good news" with many people since that time. Sharing a good report with believers strengthens their resolve in dealing with life's struggles, and it is a sign to unbelievers that God answers prayers when things look impossible. We all have had miracles in our lives. May we be bold to share these blessings and to encourage those around us who need built up in their faith today.