Sunday June 19th, 2016 5th Sunday after Pentecost Luke 8:26-39
The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming how much Jesus had done for him. (v. 38-39)
Have you ever wondered why Jesus told this man to return to his home instead of allowing him to stay with him? This man had just been delivered from demon possession after a lifetime of torment. Now all he wanted to do was to spend time with Jesus, his deliverer. Yet Jesus said, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” Perhaps Jesus wanted him to tell his friends what Jesus had done for him so that they, too, would want to know more about this amazing God/man. Perhaps the best “preaching” Jesus could do was through this man’s changed life.
Sometimes we, too, would prefer to “stay with Jesus”-basking in the richness of fellowship with other believers, sharing communion and worship together. Yet God’s love extends to all, and he wants us to share that love. Sometimes the best way to serve our God is by going home and declaring how much God has done for us.
Healing God, help me to share your love with this world by telling others what a difference you've made in my life. Amen. — KG
Contributed by Go and Tell
Have you ever wondered why Jesus told this man to return to his home instead of allowing him to stay with him? This man had just been delivered from demon possession after a lifetime of torment. Now all he wanted to do was to spend time with Jesus, his deliverer. Yet Jesus said, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." Perhaps Jesus wanted him to tell his friends what Jesus had done for him so that they, too, would want to know more about this amazing God/man. Perhaps the best "preaching" Jesus could do was through this man's changed life.
Sometimes we, too, would prefer to "stay with Jesus"-basking in the richness of fellowship with other believers, sharing communion and worship together. Yet God's love extends to all, and he wants us to share that love. Sometimes the best way to serve our God is by going home and declaring how much God has done for us.