Luke 8:34-39
Verses 38-39 "The man wanted to go with Jesus, but he said, 'Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.' And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him."
For years this poor man has lived with a 'multiple personality' disorder. Day and night in this city of the country of the Gerasenes, a man roamed, naked, rabid, thrashing uncontrollably and terrorizing all the citizens in and around the town. He had no relief from his agony and torture.
And along comes Jesus, Son of God, and the demons inside this man tremble before the mighty King. (who know who they will follow and listen to) They plead for Jesus to keep from "sending them into the abyss." (verse 31) So instead, Jesus sends the demons into a herd of pigs nearby, and the man finally has relief and control over his own body.
In thanksgiving, caught in the moment of emotion, he leaps to Jesus' feet and declares his devotion to his Savior, asking to become like the other disciples that were called and follow Jesus. (Our turning point toward eternal life)
Yes, Jesus calls him as a disciple and tells him to follow, but not to physically follow. The man desires to be with Jesus, but Jesus had other plans. "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you."
How many of us desire to do something that we fell is much greater than where we are at, like travel overseas to witness the salvation of a lost nation? Or what about speaking to a bike gang or prison and seeing inmates become believers and followers of Jesus? Wouldn't that set your heart on fire more?
But what this man was called to do is similar to what we can feel discouraged about, staying home. Staying in your community. Sharing the Gospel with our friends and family.
Last night, during our prayer group, one member passionately prayed for our community and friends that think they are Christian, but are not following Jesus the way he called us to. They think they have a "get out of Hell free" card. But that's not what Jesus says will give us salvation. Our friends and families around us need to have a changed and transformed heart in the image of Christ. They need to have a desire to follow and become better. They need to be of the good soil that will take the Words of Christ and soak them in and watch the fruit grow. We need people called to share in their own homes.
We are all tools in the hands of the master craftsman. We need to remain sharpened in the word and fellowship (Proverbs 27:17) and ready for use whenever we are needed.
Where has God called you to work today? One day at a time, serve the Lord where you are at and do so with joy. You are part of God's plan for the spread of the Gospel, and He does not appoint any small tasks.
I love you all,
In Christ our Savior and our King, I pray for your love to grow all the more in our Lord Jesus Christ.
~John 16:33~
