Mark 5:18-20 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.… I. AN INTERESTING PRAYER which notwithstanding was rejected, 1. The prayer itself — "To be with Christ." Was not this the end of Christ's mission, that He might collect souls to Himself? Gather them out of the world, etc. It seems evidently a wise and proper prayer, a pious prayer, the sign of a gracious state of soul. 2. The probable reasons by which this prayer was dictated. It might be the result (1) Of holy cautiousness and fear. (2) From grateful love to Jesus. (3) From a desire to know more of Christ. 3. The refusal of this request. "But Christ sent him away." However wise and proper and pious the man's petition appears, Jesus determined and directed otherwise; his suit could not be granted. Here let us pause and learn (1) how necessary to be taught rightly to pray. We know not what we should pray for. (2) We should learn to be satisfied with the Lord's good pleasure whether He grants our requests or not. II. AN IMPORTANT COMMAND WHICH WAS PIOUSLY OBEYED. "Jesus sent him," etc. 1. The nature of the command. He was to be a personal witness for Christ; a monument of Christ's power and compassion. He could testify (1) to the enthronement of reason. (2) To emancipation from the thraldom of evil spirits. (3) To restoration to happiness. (4) To the Author of his deliverance, "Jesus." 2. The obedience which was rendered. (1) It was prompt and immediate. He did not cavil, nor reason, nor refuse. (2) It was decided and public. Not afraid, nor ashamed. Application: 1. The end of our conversion is more than our own salvation. (1) We must testify to and for the benefit of others. (2) We must glorify Christ. 2. The converted should not consult merely their own comfort. 3. Christian obedience is unquestioning and exact. 4. The hearts' desires of the saints shall be granted in a future state. Be with Jesus forever, etc. (J. Burns, D. D. , LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. |
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