Wanna Get Away?

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  • Meredith Sheppard
  • October 24, 2021
  • 4 Comments

“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. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him…”
(Mark 5:15, 17-19a NIV)

In the late nineties Southwest Airlines launched a clever and compelling ad campaign featuring the famous question, “Wanna get away?” It was clever in advertising low-cost airfares and compelling because viewers remembered and related to the funny or embarrassing scenarios preceding the popular tagline.

Mark 5:1-20 tells the story of a man so vexed by evil spirits that he repeatedly tore off the chains that bound his hands and feet. He was violent, naked, cut himself with stones, and lived among the tombs. That sounds like the makings of a horror story.

Despite the fact that this man dwells among the dead, Jesus meets him there and drives out the evil spirits. The next time people see this man he is sitting, fully clothed, and in his right mind. Do they worship the Lord, seek personal deliverance, embrace the man and welcome him back into the community? On the contrary, they are overcome by fear and plead with Jesus to leave their town. No longer wanting to reside where he’s ruined his reputation, this man begs to go with Jesus. But Jesus says, “No.”

At some time or another, we’ve all experienced something so shameful or embarrassing that we want to get away. What do you do when Jesus says no? Do you go into hiding and live a life of self-imposed isolation? Do you swallow your voice when you’ve become the talk of the town?

I’ve come to like this story because I’ve lived it. Jesus didn’t just turn this man down, He turned the man’s life around and 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” (v 19). With a new lease on life this man begins to proclaim the power of God in his life, traveling from town to town.

Beloved, the Word of God is true. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! God not only sets us free from the shackles of sin, He takes our mess and makes it our message. (Cue the music – I’ve Got a Testimony) When we’re set free God uses us to help free others.

Yes, there will always be those who hunger for the gory details (and some will go so far as to make up their own—ask me how I know). However, learn to let the Word be the hero! Tell what Jesus has done, how He has had mercy on you. And people will be amazed!

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. God’s Girl Treasyb 24 Oct 2021 Reply

    Your closing said it all! Let the WORD be our hero!!! Love this & love you! Keep sharing your amazing wisdom with the world.

    1. Patrice Baker 24 Oct 2021 Reply

      Hi Patrice,
      You’re always so encouraging. May the Lord God bless you real good!
      His love and mine,
      Meredith 💕

  2. Sherrie Jones 24 Oct 2021 Reply

    Powerful message andg thank you for the illustration.

    1. Meredith Sheppard 24 Oct 2021 Reply

      Praise the Lord, Sherrie! May He continue to meet you here! Blessings…

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