What Jesus Did! 'Fear of Change' — Mark 5:16-17

Monday, March 25, 2024

[After Jesus cast the evil spirits out of the man and into the pigs,] those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.
— Mark 5:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

Most folks are afraid of change. Many are also afraid of anyone who has the power to change them. Because the crowd couldn't explain how Jesus had power over a legion of demons possessing a man, they were afraid and asked Jesus to leave. Unfortunately, we often do the same thing, but usually not so abruptly by overtly saying to Jesus, "Please leave me alone." No, we do it by ignoring his presence, staying away from his word, and associating with people who help drown out the voice of Jesus in our hearts. Please, don't turn Jesus away. Don't ask him to leave. Draw near to him. Seek him. Follow him. And anticipate what he can do in your life!

Today's Prayer

Sovereign God of all creation, please make me more aware of the nearness of Jesus. Help me to see the changes he is making in my heart and in my life each day. I ask this in his name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 4:4-5
  • 1 Timothy 4:15-16
  • Hebrews 10:19-25

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Sausage Over Souls
Article by Paul Faulkner
Why in the world would anyone choose sausage over a life being changed? The healing of the madman and the reaction of the crowd remind us once again that people are often prejudiced against anything that costs them something even if it benefits other people.
The Power to Change a Human Life
Article by Phil Ware
Can you look beyond your New Year's resolutions? Real change, true transformation, will not occur in our lives until we relinquish control completely to the Lord and the power of his Spirit.
Identity Theft?
Article by Phil Ware
Don't let Satan rob you of your identity in the Lord. We are God's children; let's not let anything steal away our identity!

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 5:16-17 NLT — And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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