A Demonic Example

Mark‬ ‭5:6‬ [6] When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.

If we read only this verse, we could point out how wonderfully this person responded to seeing Jesus, and being in His presence. We could talk about their dedication to Jesus and how much this person must love the Lord. They surely must be a great servant of God. Wouldn't we all agree? What if I told you that this person, in actuality was rotten to the core? What if I told you that this person was, and is, actually an enemy of you, me, and Jesus? You would probably raise an eyebrow, as you are right now. Well, it's true. But this is what happens when we pull just one verse of Scripture out of context. This verse, in the context of Mark 5, is the response of an unclean spirit named Legion, because there were many of them who possessed this man. Now for the rest of the story:

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5:1‭-‬10‬ "Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. [2] And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, [3] who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, [4] because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. [5] And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. [6] When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. [7] And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” [8] For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”  [9] Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” [10] Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country."

There are many who say they believe in God. ‭‭James‬ ‭2:19‬ tells us, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" The sad truth is that not everyone who claims to believe in God is saved. Not every "Christian" who claims to be one is one. Today is the day to come face to face with that truth and turn to Jesus. It's not too late to call on Him, by faith, and accept eternal life. For those of us who are born again and claim to love Jesus, but are best friends with the world, I say, "Isn't it a crying shame that demons fall down before Jesus and worship, but we refuse to bow our knees in prayer and surrender?" How sad is it that a demon is sometimes a better example than a so-called follower of Jesus in regards to how we should respond to being in the presence of the Lord?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).