How great is our God????

Mark 5
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When 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. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but 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.” 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

I have read this passage many many times. Today what really stood out was the onlookers. The crowd. Can you imagine being there. Seeing this demon possessed man? Hearing the demons ask Jesus for mercy? Hearing Jesus give then permission to enter in the pigs from the man? Hearing that even the demons acknowledge Jesus's rule over everything by their request? Then seeing a herd of pigs, thousands, run into the water only to drown?

Wow! If I were the town's people I would have been afraid also. There was no doubt who is in charge of the universe or how powerful He really is. I would have been stunned! Speechless! Scared! Bewildered! In awe!

What about you? Do you understand the awesome power of God? Are you stunned by it? Do you see his care for the man afterwards? He didn't just perform a miracle, He then took time to tell the man to go back to his people and tell them what happened. He commissioned him to tell the Gospel...Jesus saves! Jesus saves eternally!

Father, you always amaze me! I think I know the stories, but then you show me more depth of understanding about you and your love and protection for all of us. Thank you! Love, your daughter!