Fear can feel like a force too big to fight — even for believers who know Jesus has already won. In this post, a harrowing zip line adventure becomes a window into one of Scripture's most dramatic encounters: the demon-possessed man of the Gerasenes. His story, and ours, raises an urgent question: if Jesus has set us free, why do so many of us keep living like the chains are still there?
The man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
My heart plummeted with each click of the carabiner. For some ridiculous reason, I agreed to wear a helmet and a harness and let a stranger push me off a ledge. The intention was to face my fear of heights by zipping through the air on nothing more than a tiny rope. I’m not sure how I got to the top of the pole with jelly legs. Every fiber quivering with fear. Images too fearful to repeat raced through my mind.
Fear That Binds
Fear is a big four letter word. It covers everything from an uneasiness about a situation to extreme terror.
(I wrote about this same kind of fear when I looked at the storm in the night.)
For the most part, fear is something I try to avoid. I don’t get near the edge of anything, especially when there are unknown factors. But this time, I gave in to the pressure of my kids to go with them on the ropes course. Real or imagined, my fear was debilitating, and they knew I needed to let it go.
Fear ruled the community of the Gerasenes, too. For years, they’d been plagued by the demon-possessed man. The people tried to contain his violence with chains. They attempted to bind his chaos. But to little avail. They’d tried to silence his screams and ignore his presence. But fear weighed heavy. They couldn’t contain him, so they sentenced him to live among the dead.
Sound a little like a page out of Frankenstein.
Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed? I know not; despair had not yet taken possession of me; my feelings were those of rage and revenge.
— Frankenstein
The man was in incredible pain, crying out and cutting himself all day and night. Traveling between the tombs and the mountains, he only wanted to end his tortured, painful life.
Then, he met Jesus. And everything changed.
The Enemy Is Defeated
This was no chance encounter. Like everything in Jesus’ life and ministry, his meeting with this man was intentional. Mark wanted the reader to understand the immense control of the enemy in this man’s life. But this enemy still bowed down to Jesus. There is nothing more powerful than our God.
Fear has little to do with my surroundings. Fear comes from inside of me. It may feel like a Legion — a mighty number of foes that keep coming, one after another. Sickness, pain, hurt, devastation. And fear can lead the pack and cause me to forget that I have a Savior.
But Jesus has already conquered the enemy. I’ve been delivered from death. So why do I live as though I am still plagued by the demons of defeat? Why do I fear every unknown and question every decision? Why do I allow fear to rule my life, as though it can’t be controlled or contained? When will I remember that Jesus is greater? That he is in control. There is nothing that can stop his work in my life when I submit to him.
When the people came to the graveyard, they were astonished. The man they feared and hated sat in peace at the feet of Jesus. Everything they thought they knew about this man was changed. He looked — normal. Clothed, peaceful, allowing the Savior’s words to flow over him like a healing balm. And when Jesus got back in the boat, he begged to go with him. He wanted to spend the rest of his life in the presence of the one who had rescued him!
Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that comes from Christ Jesus.
Free To Go
Instead, Jesus appointed him as an evangelist to go and tell everyone about God’s great work in his life. It was almost as if Jesus came to the region just for him. He traveled throughout the region of the Ten Towns and shared his story. We’ll never know how many people came to believe in Jesus because of his testimony.
Unfortunately, the people of that region were not so quickly changed. Even when the source of their fear was gone, they pushed out the One who rescued them. They were still afraid. The people refused to let go of their fear.
It begs me to ask: where do I stand in this story? Am I more like the community — fearful of every change and stuck in the mire of my own creation? Or have I been delivered from fear and death? Am I living in that freedom every day?
The man who was delivered shared his story everywhere he went. He was never the same after his encounter with Jesus. And I just bet fear never ruled his life again.
That day on the zip line, I let the stranger push me off the ledge. And guess what? I loved it. My fear gave way to fully embracing freedom like I’ve never experienced before. And that’s just what Jesus planned for me and you. Day by day seeking. Day by day trusting. Listening. Obeying. Still proclaiming all that Jesus has done. Here’s my prayer: Help me never forget where I’ve come from and what you’ve done.
What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.
Today, he’s sending me. He’s sending you. Where will you go proclaim? Who will you tell of his good work in your life? What testimony of God’s goodness will you share?
Right after this encounter, Jesus meets another desperate person. You can read that story here.
I'd love to hear your testimony of God's goodness. Share it in the comments below. I read every single one.
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