Previous Challenge Entry (EDITOR'S CHOICE)
Topic: WOUND( 11/26/20)
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TITLE:
Encounter with Jesus | Writing Challenge By Marlene Custer 12/02/20 |
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5th Place
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Suddenly, a high-pitched scream pierced the air. People scattered out of the way. Jethro turned abruptly to see what was happening. Icicles of fear crawled up his spine as he looked upon Zeke, naked and covered with filth, ambling toward Jesus. The deranged man’s matted hair, long, claw-like fingernails, and wild eyes darting back and forth mirrored his torment. His wrists and ankles bore the wounds of having broken the chains that bound them. What could Jesus do for him? Surely he was beyond help. The deranged creature lived in the tombs. Townspeople had tried to chain him in the past, but no one could subdue him. He was known for his loud piercing screams and his penchant to cut himself with stones.
With heart pounding, Jethro jumped back out of the way. No one wanted near Zeke. Jethro gazed toward Jesus. What would He do? What was Zeke going to do if Jesus ignored him?
As he ran towards Jesus, Zeke shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?†Then he implored Jesus not to torture him. People pushed back to make a clearing around the pathetic being.
Jethro watched in amazement as Jesus began moving towards the pitiful soul. Then he watched, eyes as big as saucers, as Jesus reached out and tenderly touched Zeke. Then He spoke in a commanding voice, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!†Jethro pushed in closer as Jesus began conversing with an evil spirit. The spirit, named Legion, implied that there were many such beings inhabiting this poor creature’s body.
Jesus commanded them all to come out. Jethro heard the demons beg Jesus to send them into some nearby pigs. Jesus granted their request. Jethro’s jaw dropped as he gazed at two thousand pigs as they rushed down a steep bank into the lake and drowned.
Jethro stood wide-eyed and mouth agape as Zeke’s countenance changed. A calmness seemed to sweep over him, and he began trying to smooth his wiry hair. Someone in the crowd handed him a clean tunic.
Those tending the pigs stared in amazement, then ran off to report what had happened in the nearby town. Soon more crowds came to see what was happening. Instead of rejoicing when they saw Zeke dressed and in his right mind, they were afraid. They began begging Jesus to leave the area. Jethro moved in closer as Jesus turned to leave. He heard Zeke pleading to go with Him. However, Jesus insisted he go home to his family and neighbors and tell them what the Lord had done for him. Everyone who saw him and heard his story was amazed.
Jesus healed not only the obvious wounds of the demoniac, but also the hidden wounds of his mind and spirit. Do you feel wounded? Perhaps no one can see your wounds, but you hurt just the same. Maybe you are feeling hopeless. The writer to the Hebrews declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.†Nothing is too hard for Him. What He did when He walked the earth He can still do today. Call upon Him. Let Him amaze you, too!
NIV Hebrews 13:8
This story is based on Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39, and enhanced by the author.
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