Prior to Mark 5:1-20 we need to look at Mark 4:35-41.
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. The disciples and Jesus were on a ship trying to cross to the other side, but a storm came up. There were other little ships in the same area too, but ironically the storm only came up against their ship. What's the difference? One ship had Jesus dwelling within them and the other ships didn't.
Sometimes as believer we ask ourselves, "Why do some non-believers face less struggle than those who are believers?" As believers, we face more struggles in our journey of life because of who is living within us - Jesus. And isn't it just a coincidence that we most often face storms the most is when we or someone is in need of a miracle, a word, or a defining moment in their life. Yet, let me remind you. Do not be troubled! The greater the struggle the greater the blessing and the greater the suffering the greater the victory! Our blessings always outweighs the struggle by a long shot.
38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?Sometimes when we as the vessel (ship) can't withstand the struggle (storm) we become fearful. Jesus indicated this by asking them, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" Fear is the destructive instrument of faith. Fear makes us abandon all hope in faith. Yet, Jesus was saying fear not! Because I dwell within you (hinder part) - the author and finisher of your faith! When you lack faith, pray! Stir yourselves up! Awaken Me within you! Only then will I calm your storms! For without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).
Now to recap the biblical story. The disciples and Jesus were on a boat to pass over to the other side, but were troubled by a storm. Until Jesus rebuked and calmed the storm. Now you have to ask yourselves this question, "Why was it so important to Satan that he wanted to stop the disciples and Jesus from arriving at their destination?" This leads us into Mark 5:1-20.
1And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.Gadarenes was a Gentile occupied country. In Mark 5:12-14 it speaks of swine (pigs). In Israel, they don't raise pigs because it was considered an unclean animal to eat according the Laws of Moses (Deut 14:8 ). It was a pagan country worshiping other idols with other religions. In other words, the country was one of Satan's kingdom. Every strong kingdom is surrounded by huge, massive, and tall strongholds or stonewalls to protect their territory, people, and their belongings. Israel was one of the many nations that had built strongholds surrounding it's city. Just as there are strongholds set up on earthly kingdoms, there are also exists strongholds for spiritual kingdoms (Ephesians 6:12). I believe the storm that Jesus and the disciples encountered was a stronghold to one of Satan's kingdom and when Jesus rebuked it, He was able to enter into the kingdom of Satan. This was a spiritual breakthrough! Never in the history of mankind has this happened before! A stronghold being rebuked not with the works of flesh, but the works of faith!
2And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,In Matthew 4:16 (ESV), it gives an excellent description of what the man with the unclean spirit encountered in that moment.
“16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”This explains the type of immediate response the unclean spirit took when Jesus arrived on the country of Gadarenes. At the horizon there was a great light that dawned upon the region of darkness. Immediately, the unclean spirit took notice. There was a shift and change in the heavenly realms. It mesmerized him for a moment. Magnetizing and luring him closer to that burst of light. As he drew foot by foot and inch by inch, he saw a man full flesh and full divine. He saw Jesus! The Son of the Most High God! When he came into the presence of Jesus he was mystified and confused. He fell on his knees in front of Jesus and shouted, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" For a moment he was dazed and unaware of the times. He thought for a split second until it finally hit him. This must be it! It is time! The Son of the Most High God is here! The thoughts of the agony fluttered his mind! The pain! The suffering! The TORTURE for all eternity!! Finally, he shouted in great fear, "In God’s name don’t torture me!"
To Be Continued....
Topic: Bible Study - Class meets on Thursday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CST. (Read 133971 times)