In what ways can we seek Jesus' deliverance from personal struggles? Meeting Him among the Tombs Mark 5:2: “As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs.” This lone verse captures a collision of despair and hope. A tormented man rushes from a graveyard toward the living Son of God. Every personal struggle—addiction, fear, anger, shame—feels like life among the tombs, yet Jesus still steps onto our shore. What We Learn from the Gerasene Man • He could not fix himself (vv. 3–4). • He ran to Jesus anyway (v. 6). • He bowed in surrender (v. 6). • He experienced Christ’s authoritative word (v. 8). • He left transformed and clothed, “in his right mind” (v. 15). Ways to Seek the Same Deliverance • Run toward, not away from, the Lord – Mark 5:6 “he ran and fell on his knees before Him.” – Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” • Name the struggle honestly – Mark 5:9 “‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many.’” – 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Trust Jesus’ complete authority – Mark 5:8 “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!” – Colossians 2:15 “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” • Submit and resist – James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – Ephesians 6:10–11 “Be strong in the Lord… Put on the full armor of God…” • Embrace renewed identity – Mark 5:15 “He was sitting there, clothed and in his right mind.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Practical Steps Today • Open Scripture daily; let His voice replace the lies. • Invite trusted believers to stand with you (Galatians 6:2). • Remove “tombs” that keep the struggle alive—unfiltered media, isolating habits, secret stashes. • Replace them with worship, service, and fellowship. • When setbacks happen, run back quickly; the shoreline is never far. Encouraging Promises to Hold • Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.” • Psalm 142:7 “Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name.” • Mark 5:19 “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.” The Savior who stepped into the graveyard still steps into ours. Run to Him, speak the truth, and watch the chains fall. |
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