The definition of chaos is a kids birthday party at Timezone. There are loud beats coming through speakers, hundreds of kids under 10-years-old running around, arcade games with constant flashing lights, and plenty of sugar. With these powers combined we have chaos.
In the Gospel of Mark we are told of an event in Jesus’s ministry where he brings restoration to a man in chaos. A dictionary definition of chaos is “complete disorder and confusion”, which is an accurate description of this demon-possessed man who comes upon Jesus in his travels (Mark 5:1-20).
A Chaotic Life
Jesus is confronted by this man and all indications are that he is not with it. He has been living among the tombs, which immediately tells us something about this man is unhinged. No one in their right mind takes up residence in the local cemetery, even those who are without a home.
Alongside this is the fact that this man has broken the chains and shackles that the local community have tried to bind him with. Those who have sought to care for him have thought it best to put him in a first-century straightjacket, but he is too strong. While he lives in these tombs, and seems to have superhuman strength, he is also running around the place with loud cries and shouts, and evidently self-harming.
It’s not hard to spot someone who is acting agitated, irrational, and behaving in an unbalanced way. We don’t have to go too far into our cities or suburbs to see this in our own community. From our Western eyes we might conclude that this man is going through a significant mental health episode with the elements of anxiety, depression, and psychosis. That doesn’t seem too far from the truth and it is a sad situation for this man. But his condition also requires divine intervention.
When Jesus arrives on the scene this man sees him, runs to him, falls before him, and shouts the truth about Jesus being the Son of the Most High God. This man, and the spirits within him, know who Jesus is. He knows, not having seen him before, of his authority and power.
While we may not be possessed by a demon there may be something or someone or just stuff in life that has power over us. There might be values or attitudes or behaviours that draw us away from Jesus and lead us to behaviour that is ungodly or unbalanced. Those deeper things of power, praise, position, profits, or pleasure, or a combination of them, draw us away from Jesus and take hold of us.
From Jesus’ perspective he sees what’s going on and calls for the spirits to come out of this man (v8). I find it interesting that Jesus doesn’t pray, he doesn’t perform any rituals, he doesn’t use incense or other things we may associate with exorcisms that we’ve picked up from movies, books and culture. Instead, Jesus, in a straightforward manner, tells the spirits to come out of him. He’s clear and direct like a commander over their regiment.
This fits with the name of these spirits, who when Jesus asks for their name says, “Legion”. A legion is a team of soldiers in the Roman army, about 5000 soldiers strong. They were well-trained and organised for battle, just as these demonic spirits are many, well-trained, and ready for battle.
It is without a doubt that this passage gives us a window into the spiritual realm.
This man is living a chaotic life and is possessed by demons that have taken over him.
We might think in extremes whereby we either explain everything scientifically and logically, or go the other way and see demonic and spiritual activity in every situation a person faces. What we do know, which Paul in Ephesians 6 reminds us of, is that we do live in a spiritual realm. This is a world where powers of darkness are real, even if they look different across cultures.
This event in the life of Jesus isn’t asking us to become experts in demonology though. It’s asking us to trust the one who has authority over it all.
Whatever chaos we might find ourselves in, either in the present or in the future, Jesus has authority over it. Whatever the chaos might be in our soul, in our circumstances, in our relationships or work, Jesus has authority over it.
This is the point.
Jesus has authority, and we can trust him in the chaos.
A Restored Life
The story of this man doesn’t end there though. The result of Jesus’ authority brings about restoration.
I’m not sure if it’s the same in your house, but when it’s been a little while since we’ve done some cleaning the whole house seems out of balance. With dirty dishes still on the bench, clothes on different surfaces, shoes on the floor, papers and toys everywhere, we feel out of kilter.
O, but after a good clean up and the items returned to their proper place, then peace descends. Calm arrives.
When Jesus tidies up this man from his demons and restores him there is transformation. The impact of Jesus brings peace and calm.
This transformation has a dramatic effect on the man himself, as well as his community. While the man is found to be in his right state of mind, the community has the fear of God put in them. They realise the authority that Jesus has.
So, what do they do?
They ask him to leave.
They don’t want help with their own problems, what they’ve witnessed is just too much. It’s overwhelming. This is divine power they have not seen the likes of before. Their fear drives them to push Jesus away.
Don’t you find we have a similar reaction? When we’re afraid we can’t see what God is doing. When something seems to go wrong, or there are things that happen that aren’t our plans then we can react out of fear. Our minds spin, the anxiety rises, and we find ourselves distancing ourselves from the source of fear.
This is what is happening to the community. They don’t want anything to do with him, while the man on the receiving end of Jesus’ transforming work wants more time with him. He wants to follow him.
Instead, Jesus gives the man a task. He is to go home and tell people what the Lord has done. You see, God has shown great mercy to this man. He has had compassion and pity on him. He has restored him to a new life with a story to share to others.
When lives are impacted and restored by Jesus then there is a story to tell. A story to share with others.
Each of us who have been impacted by Jesus and restored to a new life in him, has a story to share. Our story might not be as dramatic as this man in Mark 5, but each of us has a unique story about God’s restoration of our soul and transformation to new life because of him.
Through the mercy we have received we are invited to share the stories of what God has done. Stories that can impact others and have people marveling at the God we follow through faith in Jesus.
King Jesus: A Series in Mark’s Gospel
Part 1: King Jesus: The Beginning of The Good News
Part 2: King Jesus: The Messenger
Part 3: King Jesus: The Love of God the Father
Part 4: King Jesus: The Kingdom of God
Part 5: King Jesus: The Calling of The Ordinary
Part 6: King Jesus: Place and Purpose
Part 7: King Jesus: The Authority Behind The Words
Part 8: King Jesus: The Power of Jesus
Part 9: King Jesus: The Leper
Part 10: King Jesus: The Paralytic
Part 11: King Jesus: Restoration From Chaos
