Scripture – Mark 5:1-20 NIV –
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
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.
Bob’s thoughts:
We were warmly greeted by, I think, everyone there including the widow of the first pastor.
I met a Marine who served in Vietnam in a medical capacity. Don’t know if he started as Navy, but anyone who patched us up was a Brother.
We were early and had time to enjoy the great view from this church on the hill. I hope to get a chance to stop back and take pictures of the area.
One of our daughters works at and worships with her family at a nearby church which we could see from the window. We were looking forward to stopping there to wish our grandson a happy 14th birthday. When we visit with them, we have driven past and talked of worshiping here; we were divinely guided here today.
Even knowing where the church is, we missed the driveway and had to circle back; I’m glad we made the effort. We were told the normal attendance is about 10 people but that they had a large turnout for a Thanksgiving service last week.
I am still waiting for my hearing aids to come back from warranty service so I missed more than a bit, but could hear the pastor. His message was part of a personal story and God’s blessing him through it. Perfect for a small family church.
The window mullions of the chancel form three crosses, an ideal focus for me. There were no instruments or canned music, but we tried a couple of hymns anyhow.
We got to stay for a few minutes after the service and felt like we were listening in on a family conversation. We were blessed to be able to join with the congregation to lay hands and pray over a member and to know why He sent us there.
Jan’s thoughts:
This lovely little church sits atop a hill and boasts a gorgeous view. The spacious interior is nicely arranged and decorated.
We arrived only slightly early but in good time for greetings and conversation. Several people invited us to stay after worship for coffee and refreshments. Nearly everyone there greeted us and some engaged us in extended conversation.
I didn’t see the crosses until Bob pointed out they were incorporated in the design of the windows behind the chancel area. It was imaginative and beautiful.
The worship leader was having a problem with her voice, so she switched some of the songs with others that were within her range today. Even with her limitations, her voice was better than mine. We each have our gifts.
The untitled message was presented by the pastor and focused on his own experience with brokenness. He stated that “we are who we are not because we have it all together but because we’re broken.” He pointed out that “the only way to conquer one spirit is by another Spirit,” which I believe is true.
When Jesus encountered the Gerasene demoniac, the Holy Spirit drove out the demons. After he was freed from the demons the man wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus knew what he would be doing was running away. Jesus told him to stay put and testify to others about what Jesus had done for him.
That’s what this pastor was doing: glorifying Jesus by his witness. I felt privileged and encouraged to hear his testimony.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will bless Your house on the hill. Light the sanctuary with Your glory and bless Your church. Amen.
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