Amazing Grace
Scripture Reading — Mark 5:1-20
“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you …”
Mark 5:19
During a recent weekday service, a young mother called my wife and me over to her pew. She was sitting with her 12-year-old daughter and holding an infant son. “My daughter has a demon,” the mother said. She asked us to pray for this child.
Do you believe in demons? If not, this story won’t make much sense. If you do, Jesus’ authority in this story will curl your toes. Jesus has the power to bring freedom. Jesus brought freedom to a man possessed by demons. Jesus brings amazing grace where it’s needed.
My wife and I laid our hands on the girl and prayed for her, demanding the demon to release her. The demon shook and growled, fighting our prayers. Once the demon left, a calm and tired young lady was freed up by the power of Jesus. The mother witnessed a change in the girl’s body language and verbal tone. Our prayer was that she would tell others what Jesus did for her.
When friends saw the man who was freed of the demon, he was “sitting there, dressed and in his right mind.” Jesus made a simple request of him: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”
When our demonic shackles are removed and our sins are forgiven, Jesus asks us to tell others what the Lord has done for us.
Precious Jesus, you have authority over all things in heaven and on the earth. May I never grow tired of telling others what you have done for me. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!