Emptied and Filled

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 own people 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.”
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If you have a moment, I’d encourage you to read Chapter 5 of Mark’s Gospel so you can see the whole story of what’s going on here.  In short, there is a crazy, demon-possessed man living in among the tombs who approaches Jesus.  No on can control him, but Jesus casts out the demons; demons who know who Christ is and call Him by name.

I imagine this man, having been possessed by demons for such a long time, feels a certain kind of emptiness once Jesus heals him.  He has been filled by impure spirits (maybe thoughts, addictions, passions?), but “filled” nonetheless.  When he starts his life anew, through the power of Christ, he wants to spend all of his time with the One who healed him.

But, Jesus has a different plan.  He tells the man to go back to his people and tell others about what Christ has done.

Aren’t we sometimes like this man?  We want to be with Jesus, focused on Him, being with Him all of the time; it seems that would be the east choice.  But He calls us to something more.  He wants His message and spirit to flow through us, out into the world, to give others the same  gift we have experienced.

Blessed Lord, 

You come to us when we are filled with things of this world and make us new.  We are blessed to be a new creation by being in love with Your Son. 

Thank you, God, for encouraging us to spread Your Word among others.  When we allow your sprit to flow through us, we are renewed and refreshed. 

Give us Your spirit so we can go forth to boldly profess our love for You to those around us. 

In Your Son’s name, we pray, 

Amen