October 21

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not. - Mark 5:18-19.

WHILE the Gadarenes were rejoicing at Christ’s departure the poor patient followed him with tears, and kneeling on the shore stretched out his hand towards the vessel as the Lord entered it, and craved to be with him. Observe, with regard to his prayer, First, That it arose from fear; he connected his recovery with the Saviour’s bodily presence, and was afraid lest the demons should again take possession of him.

Secondly, It arose from gratitude; he wished to be with him for “a name and a praise”-as a monument of his grace and power, to attend him as his servant- to execute his orders, and comply with his commands.

Thirdly, It arose from love; he wished to see and to know more of Jesus, to sit always at his feet and hear his words. And it is the desire of every one that has obtained grace that he may be with Jesus; and the prayer of every one who has tasted the bread of life is, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” Yet innocent, pious, and praiseworthy as the poor creature’s prayer was, it was refused: “Jesus suffered him not.”

This part of the subject is full of instruction. It will serve to enable us to think correctly of answers to prayer; and lead to the conclusion that God may answer in wrath or refuse a petition in kindness; that success here is no mark of the Divine favour and friendship. The Israelites wished for flesh; God “gave them their hearts desire,” but “sent leanness into their souls.” They asked for a king in their folly; “God gave them a king in his anger, and took him away in his wrath.” But to turn to the other side. God’s heart is towards his people; before they call he answers, and while they are yet speaking he hears. Thus we say with David, “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my supplications;” and we should love him more if we knew all.

There are times when, if our desires had been complied with, we might have been destroyed, or materially injured. Our desires too frequently betray our imperfections and our depravity, even in our devotions. When on our knees worldly-mindedness whispers, “Ask something for me;” and pride suggests, “Ask something for me.” Alas! we “know not what to ask for as we ought.” But for our comfort God is kind as well as wise; he “waits to be gracious,” and is “exalted that he may have mercy.” He sees the end from the beginning, and knows how to distinguish between our welfare and our wishes, and is often necessitated to sacrifice the latter for our good; nor will he spare for our crying.

Thus God acts towards us as a judicious parent to his child, distinguishing his wants from his wishes. Moses prayed to see God’s face; now none can see him and live; therefore God graciously refused his prayer. Christians often beg of God to tell them that their sins are pardoned, that their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and that they are heirs of glory. If their desires were granted, and their requests complied with, their frame would break down with the communication. Paul prayed that “the thorn might depart,” but it was too indispensable.

The Saviour therefore says, I am too much concerned for your own welfare to do this. I will not deliver you from the burden; but I will give you my supporting grace, which “shall be sufficient for you.” Sometimes our way is hedged up with thorns, why? To prevent our wandering! If the passage were open and smooth, we should be tempted to stray; but mercy would throw even a hell across the road to stop us, rather than suffer us to depart from God.