"Better the devil you know than the one you don't."I'm not sure where it originated but even a cursory read of Mark 5:1-20 will pique one's interest and draw immediate comparisons.
A man, controlled by an evil spirit (the Bible's words, not mine) had been quarantined to live apart. In fact, he lived in the place of the dead - literally (burial caves). There no chains could hold him. He would often howl (Mark 1:5) and cut himself (Mark 1:5).
Talk about torment.
But then JESUS...
Jesus shows up on the scene and because of His power, authority and love; delivers the man. The demonic spirit asks Jesus permission (that's right) as to where (their - in the passage we learn that there are actually many demonic spirits influencing the man) He will send him.
Here's the problem - many of us get hung up on the fact that Jesus is casting out a demon or that the 2,000 pigs run off a cliff and plunge to their death; missing the point. Pay close attention to what happens next because you cannot mute the Master!
After the ordeal is over and the man is clothed, sane, and chillin with Jesus in the place of his deliverance (burial caves)... there's a town hall meeting of sorts. You see the herdsmen who saw what happened to the man ran in to town to tell the others. The entire town comes out, full of fear, and begs Jesus to leave.
"What?!" Is the natural response as you read this. You wonder if you have skipped to another passage. This cannot be the conclusion.
In effect they'd have the man silenced (don't be sharing what Jesus did for you) and send Jesus away. Why?
"Better the devil you know than the one you don't." Isn't this the typical response for things we do not understand, can't control or lack a sufficient, rational explanation for? "I'll stick with the crazed man who is not safe to be around, just don't let me see him or go near him. But as for freedom and joy, nah!"
"Really?" (a bold Christian says). The towns people reply, "Yep, its all we've known for (x-number) of years - why change now?"
Others may question or scrutinize what God has done in and through you by His Son and in the power of His Spirit - but that is not confirmation for you to hit the mute button. All the more reason for you to boldly proclaim your personal deliverance; your "Jesus-Encounter" and pray the same for others... that they'd encounter Jesus in unmistakable ways - and then tell about it.
Who is God asking you to share your Jesus-Encounter with today? What will you say about how Jesus, through his Holy Spirit, has freed you, loved you, filled you, and empowered you? How will you respond when the townspeople beg Jesus to leave and for you to shut up?
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