18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.19 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.” Mark 5
This is the climax of the account of the fortunate man who was delivered from the ‘Legion’ of demons by the Galilee. The man wanted to join Jesus and His disciples and come with them in the boat, however, Jesus told him to go back to his own people and tell them about God’s mercy and goodness to him. We’re not told why the Lord didn’t allow him to accompany them, but this man had a powerful testimony of deliverance, from a whole gang of demons. Personal testimony is always passionate and compelling because of our experiences. Jesus urged this man to go tell the people he knew of God’s goodness in his life.
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, HAVE MERCY on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. Matthew 17
Another example of a father coming to the Lord and begging for mercy for his young son, whom a demon was trying to destroy. Jesus was frustrated that His disciples had been unable to help the father and his son, but once again He showed MERCY and set the boy free.
Praise to God for a Living Hope
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! IN HIS GREAT MERCY he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1
Peter, the disciple who had fallen away at the resurrection and been fully restored by the Lord back at the Galilee, speaks of God’s GREAT MERCY in giving us new birth in Christ. Forgiveness and new birth in no way depend on our goodness, but on His Love. God never turns away those who come to Him in sincerity and truth.
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
TO ACT JUSTLY AND TO LOVE MERCY
AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD. Micah 6
The God who loves to show mercy, desires that we follow His ways in our own lives. The prophet Micah spoke these beautiful words before the Lord came upon the earth, God always intended that we live this way before Him.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.