February 26: Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

Pigs

Scripture: Mark (NIV) 5:15 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.
16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well.
17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Observation: The man had been extremely tormented by the demons (verses 2-5), but was now free. The demons had requested and been given permission to go into a herd of pigs which then stampeded down a hill into a lake and were drowned (verses 11-13). Now the people from the area who all knew of this man were gathering to see if what they had heard was really true. But when they heard about the pigs, they begged Jesus to leave their area! The pigs were more important than the person now free! The pigs were more important than the presence of Jesus!

Application: There are many things in life that can be, or become, like those pigs. They may be my source of income, my hobbies, my entertainment, my preferences, etc. If I am not careful, I can choose “pigs” over Jesus! If I leave the TV on while I am doing my devotions, my mind can be drawn to what the news anchor is saying over what Jesus is saying. Duh! Sometimes getting rid of the pigs is as simple as turning off the TV.

Prayer: Lord, There is nothing as important as You in my life. Holy Spirit help me to say it with my choices and actions as easily as I say it with my mouth. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!