What If . . .

Mark 5:1-20

What Do You Fear?

January 29, 2012

“What are the two biggest fears in your life?” Most people could name one or two fears. But I really think two of our greatest fears might be exact opposites. How’s that? For me, I don’t like snakes and heights. How are those opposites. Well, I’m thinking about something deeper than these fears. So, what am I talking about?

Anyone have any ideas? Any suggestions?

I’d like to tell you what I believe are the 2 biggest fears in the world and I think this might surprise you — 1.) The fear of dying and 2.) The fear of living. I guess that pretty much covers anything that was on your list.

For many, the fear of dying is a top pick. Even as a Christian, while I don’t fear death, for I have confidence that in death I will be united with Christ in heaven, there is the anguish of letting go to what I cling to in this world. I don’t want to leave my family, I have too much I still want to do. The other part of the fear of dying is the method, but that’s for another day.

What I want to talk about for the balance of our time is the other fear I believe many, if not most of us have, ‘the fear to live.’ I’m talking about the life Christ offers us. Let’s be honest, how many of you believe you are living a life that is the way Jesus wants you to live? It’s the John 10:10 life, where Jesus offers us abundant life, the more than life. Do you believe you are living the life God wants you to live?

If your answer is YES. Then fantastic!!!! Your spirit is burning bright. You’re hungry for God, you thirst after Him, you’re doing all you can to be connected to God and serving Him — by serving others, and making a difference in your corner of the world. And your attitude and more is right on target.

But most of us would have to say NO!! And that includes me. I don’t have a perfect handle on life. Just ask those who live with me, and if they were honest, they’d tell you “he’s not quite there . . . yet.” With that in mind, let’s take a look at the story about the demon possessed man. How’s that for a leap!?

This is one of the fascinating stories in the Bible. Let’s take a look at Mark 5:1-20

1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus stepped out of the boat, immediately He was met by a demon-possessed man.

3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain,

4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he tore the chains apart, and broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.

5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Do not torment me.”

8 For Jesus was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”

10 And he earnestly begged Jesus not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.”

13 So Jesus gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about 2,000, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned.

14 The herdsmen ran off and reported what they saw in the city and in the country. And people came to see what happened.

15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.

16 And those who had seen it described what happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And the people began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.

18 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged Jesus to go with Him.

19 And Jesus did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”