They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened.
Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine.
And they began to implore Him to leave their region.
As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him.
And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.”
And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. Mark 5:15-20
Sometimes we go places for Jesus sake. Sometimes we stay! The man healed of severe demonic influence desired to go with Jesus, but in His sovereignty, Jesus thought it best that he stay. And in sharing his testimony with people in surrounding areas, people were amazed. While there is a calling for some to go, we ought to realize that the gospel is needed right where we are. This man was told to ‘bloom where you are planted’.
Am I sharing the great things the Lord has done for me? Am I aware of His great mercy in my life?
God, what a great reminder that You know best. Help me see afresh the opportunities to share the great things You have done in my life. May my testimony be useful in building others up in their faith and encouraging the faithless to trust in You. No matter where You lead, I will commit myself to proclaiming Your goodness.
