READING: Joshua 16-18, Luke 8:26-56
I can understand why the man wanted to stay with Jesus. After all, he had been possessed by many demons. He had lived naked among the tombs, driven into solitude by the demons. No one could restrain him. Mark’s Gospel tells us he “was always crying out and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:5).
Now, though, Jesus had rocked his world. The Lord had freed the man from his demons; the demons had departed, and the man was “sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35). Of course he wanted to stay with Jesus! Who wouldn’t have if He had supernaturally given you freedom from spirits and a renewed peace of mind? I’m certain I, too, would have wanted to hang out with Jesus and travel with Him.
That wasn’t Jesus’ plan, however. He told the man to return to his home and tell everyone what Jesus had done for him. The man did so—“all over town,” in fact (Luke 8:39). It’s again Mark who then tells us the people in the Decapolis were “all amazed” at what Jesus had done (Mark 5:20). That’s often what happens when dramatically transformed people tell the story of Christ’s power and grace in their lives.
May you and I spend time with Jesus this morning, but then go tell others throughout the day!
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for Your transforming power.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities today to tell what Jesus has done for you.
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Joshua 19-21, Luke 9:1-27