2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13
Psalm 3:2-7
Mark 5:1-20
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JESUS RESTORES FAMILIES
"Go home to your family and make it clear to them how much the Lord in His mercy has done for you." —Mark 5:19
David’s family was a disaster. His son Absalom became his rival, overthrew his government, and was seeking his father’s life (2 Sm 15:1ff; 17:3). Instead of seeking reconciliation with Absalom, David fled. He had no doubt that Absalom was deadly serious about defeating him (2 Sm 15:14).
David believed the worst of his son. Many of you have likewise experienced serious family ruptures. Like David, when you hear that a certain family member is set against you, you immediately believe that person to be capable of causing harm.
Jesus bluntly stated that He came to divide families (Lk 12:51-53). When Jesus delivered the man in today’s Gospel, he asked to accompany Jesus (Mk 5:18). Far too many of us can relate. The spiritual warfare experienced when accompanying Jesus in ministry may seem preferable when compared to the ridicule and rejection you would expect to receive if you told your family all that Jesus has mercifully done for you.
However, Jesus sent the man who had been delivered straight home to his family to announce God’s mercy (Mk 5:19). The Lord might be calling you to do the same. May Jesus use your conversion, prayers, obedience, words, and witness to heal and restore your family.
Prayer: Father, use my fasting, obedience, and prayer to restore any ruined areas in my family (Is 58:12). May I love my family with Your heart of love.
Promise: "When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side." —Ps 3:6-7
Praise: During a healing prayer session, Jesus set Mary free from life-long self-hatred.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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