The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 218

HOMILETICS. Vers. 1-20.-The LorcJ of spiri~. There was for Christ, during his eartl,ly ministry, no escape from personal toil-from the claims made upon his benevolence by human misery, or from man's ingratitude. He crossed the lake to seek repose, but at once, on landing, was met by a case of t.he utmost wretchedness and need, demanding the exercise of his compassionate authority. His stay was brief, yet long enough tf cam the thanks and the devotion of c,r,e poor liberated captive, and long enough to qualify and to commission that healed one for a sacred ministry of benevolence. L We have here a representation of THE WRETCHED STATE OP' THE BINNER, 1. That state is attributable to possession by an evil power. This does not, indeed, affect man's responsibility, but it affirms the action of supernatural agency, Sinners "have fallen into the snare of the devil" 2. The signs of that state are many and distressing. Like the demoniac, the sinner is injurious to himself, is harmful to others, and consequently is unfit for society. 3. A picture is here painted of tho sinner's hopeless condition. As the demoniac's possession was manifold (" we aro legion"), was prolonged, and was so severe that all human efforts had failed to bring relief, so was the condition of the heathen world when the Saviour came to earth-a condition so debased and so confirmed in its misery that to the human eye no dawn- streak of hope was visible. And the heart, abandoned to the control of evil, is in a state for which no human relief or help is available. II. "\Ve have here a representation of THE SINNER'S MIGHTY SAVIOUR, A greater contrast than that between the wretched and raving maniac and the calm and holy Jesus it would not be possible to imagine. Yet the two came together. Divine authority and compassion encountered human sin, foulness, and degradation, and the demon was exorcised and the sufferer made whole. 1. Observe the Divine authority :y the Lord is acknowledged. It is certainly remarkable that from the mouth of the clemoniac should come the confession that Jesus is" the Son of the Most High God." This Christ is; and, were he not this, his approach would bring no comfort to the sinner's heart. 2. In addition to this verbal acknowledgment, we observe an actual ,,ubmission to and experience of Christ's power. "The unclean spirit came out." .Jesus is "mighty to save." As during hie ministry, so wherever the ~ospel is preached, the power of Christ is proved in actual experience. However formidable the foe may be, J esUB is the Conqueror. IIL We have here a representation of THE SINNER'S SALVATION. 1. There is com- plete deliverance from the tyranny of former enemies. "Taken captive by the Lord's servant unto the will of God "-such is the description given by an apostle of tho great nnd spiritual emancipation which nevertheless brings souls into a new and better bondage. 2. Sanity is a consequence of our Lord's interposition. "When he came to himself" is the description of the change which took place in the repenting prodigal Only he who turns to God can be truly said to be "in his right mind." 3. Tranquillity is a natural sign of a spiritual restoration. The Savionr is the Prince of peace, and the gospel is a gospel of peace, and peace is a fruit of the Spirit. True religion calms agitation, stills the tempests of the soul, and brings harmony to human life. IV. We have an example of the WITNESS OP' THE SAVED SINNER TO THE SAVIOUR, The conduct of the healed demoniac is an emblem of tho consecrated teatimony of the ransomed soul to the great Deliverer. 1. It is prompted by grateful e.ffection- affection that would fain abide in the valued society of the Redeemer. 2. It is appointed and authorized by the Lord himself: " Go_ to thy house," et?. 3. It is borne especially to those nearest and dearest: "thy friends." 4. It consists of per- sonal experience : "how great things the Lord bath done for thee." 6. h excites interest and wonder. Such testimony from such a witness cannot be without effect.  CB, V, 1-43.) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BT. MAUK. 2J5