33. Legion

Explore

In today’s bible reading we come across the story of a demonised man who Jesus sets free. The man, having been set free, is let loose into life not only without the demonic oppression, but with a story to tell! And tell it he does. Let’s dig deeper. 

Idea 1: Called by name I was at a men’s day recently and was due to speak after another guy. This guy has written about 80 books and really knows his stuff, so I was keen to listen to his talk. He talked about this story in the Bible and how from this story, lots of people questioned why Jesus asked for an identity to the demons residing in the life of this man. 

This guy was suggesting that Jesus didn’t ask for a name to get a grip of the demons, to enable a power over them by naming them; instead he implied that Jesus was asking for the man’s name. Who are you? 

Jesus saw the man, the man inside who was wrestling with his identity against this host of evil spirits. Jesus called the man out, ‘I see YOU! Be released, be free, be the man you are again.’

What did you take from this encounter Jesus had with this man? What stood out for you?

Do you know that you have been called by name? Jesus sees you and calls you to know who you really are! 

Idea 2: Know your story What’s your story? This man when released by Jesus to be free discovered his story, what’s yours? Something that contains incredible power and authenticity is not how well you can spout out bible verses or repeat a good sermon or book you’ve read, it is your story. 

Knowing and seeing our own story, our journey with the highs and catastrophic lows is so valuable. As we journey together as men, being able to find, share and learn from our stories is such a valuable tool. 

What’s your story? What happened to you? 

Idea 3: Listen to story I am part of a small group, a band of brothers and one of the core components to the group’s success is the willingness to not only share our stories but to listen to them too. We listen, we speak into the narrative and the owner of the story gives us permission to be written into it. 

This is a rare thing because it involves vulnerability, it allows space for affirmation and it welcomes correction and redirection. 

Have you felt like you have been seen, listened to or heard? Have you been able to facilitate this for anyone else? 

Action

Why not spend a few weeks giving time to the stories, listening, sharing and inviting others to be part of your story? 

The impact in my life has been incredible as this story is shared and God has, with company of others, written some amazing chapters I couldn’t have imagined possible.