In a busy week of Chinese New Year preparations and reunion gatherings, our home fellowship at George and Shea Ling’s home was a refreshing time of study and reflection. We delved into the powerful story of Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20, with parallels in Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-39) facilitated by Jenny and Susan. This passage vividly reveals Christ’s absolute authority, deep compassion, and our victory in Him.
One of the most striking moments in our discussion was how the demons immediately recognised Jesus as the Most High God. Despite tormenting this man for so long, they could not stand against His presence. This reminded us that Jesus is never intimidated by the enemy—not even by a legion of demons. Susan noted that thousands of spirits meant nothing to Jesus; He commanded, and they obeyed.
We also reflected on the authority given to believers. Ronnie shared that if Christ is in us, we have no reason to fear spiritual darkness. Just as Jesus cast out demons, we, too, have authority in His name. However, this authority flows from a place of rest in God’s presence. He connected this to a previous discussion on calming the storm—before Jesus commanded the waves, He was at rest. One way we enter this rest is through praying in tongues, as it aligns us with the Holy Spirit. Anita affirmed this through a testimony about a sister in Christ who found peace praying in tongues while sending her husband to the hospital. It reminded us that even when we don’t have the words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).
Our discussion on faith was particularly insightful. Faith is not just about size but connectivity. The analogy of a fuse helped illustrate this: the less resistance we have to God’s Word, the more His power flows through us. Hebrews 11:1 reinforces this: faith is the assurance of things not seen, and Jesus never fails.
Jenny was struck by Jesus’ command to the man: “GO.” Instead of following Jesus back across the sea, the man was sent to share his testimony. This reminds us that our restoration is not just for ourselves but for others—we are meant to bring hope and freedom to those still bound.
Above all, we saw Jesus’ deep compassion—how He crossed a stormy sea for one tormented man whom the world had abandoned. Felicia’s testimony about God’s protection in a storm echoed this truth: Jesus relentlessly pursues those in need, the lost, the broken, and the forgotten, restoring them with His love.
We closed the session in prayer, lifting one another up in faith and seeking God’s guidance, boldness, peace, and comfort. As we parted ways, there was a deep sense of awe at Christ’s power and a renewed confidence that we are walking in His victory.
Blessings,
Belimbing HF
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