Daily Bread 2011 - Luke 8
Daily Bread 2011 – Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 Luke 8:38-39
38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
What Does This Mean?
Some might think it is curious that after Jesus had healed this man among the tombs that Jesus sent him away. The man seemed eager to follow Jesus but Jesus told him to return to his home town and tell them how much God had done for him. Considering how bad off he was I imagine the people back home would have been pretty shocked at the transformation.
Sometimes when we have a tremendous spiritual experience we are reluctant to go back home, for we might be anxious over how people will accept us. And yet Jesus saw this as an important opportunity for the Good News to spread through this man who had lived among the tombs for a long time. And the man listened obeyed and shared his story all over town. It is pretty hard to argue with a changed life.
What Does This Mean For Us?
It is pretty hard for us to argue someone into the kingdom, although for some having strong intellectually honest answers to tough questions will be helpful. But no one can argue with the transformation that comes about as we allow Jesus to change us from the inside out. As the bible says, “Whoever is forgiven much, loves much.” After what this guy had gone through I can imagine he had a pretty powerful testimony.
Though we might not have had as dramatic of a testimony as the man among the tombs, we all can relate to how God changes our lives as we allow Christ to be the center and the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Often that can involved moving from a self centered (narcissistic) lifestyle to one that is centered around others. And when this happens there will be no one better to observe this than the people you know best as you return home. That is one of the most effective ways for the Good News to spread.
Jesus thank you for freeing us from the demons of our past, so that we can testify to what you have done for us, to those who know us best. Amen.
38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
What Does This Mean?
Some might think it is curious that after Jesus had healed this man among the tombs that Jesus sent him away. The man seemed eager to follow Jesus but Jesus told him to return to his home town and tell them how much God had done for him. Considering how bad off he was I imagine the people back home would have been pretty shocked at the transformation.
Sometimes when we have a tremendous spiritual experience we are reluctant to go back home, for we might be anxious over how people will accept us. And yet Jesus saw this as an important opportunity for the Good News to spread through this man who had lived among the tombs for a long time. And the man listened obeyed and shared his story all over town. It is pretty hard to argue with a changed life.
What Does This Mean For Us?
It is pretty hard for us to argue someone into the kingdom, although for some having strong intellectually honest answers to tough questions will be helpful. But no one can argue with the transformation that comes about as we allow Jesus to change us from the inside out. As the bible says, “Whoever is forgiven much, loves much.” After what this guy had gone through I can imagine he had a pretty powerful testimony.
Though we might not have had as dramatic of a testimony as the man among the tombs, we all can relate to how God changes our lives as we allow Christ to be the center and the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Often that can involved moving from a self centered (narcissistic) lifestyle to one that is centered around others. And when this happens there will be no one better to observe this than the people you know best as you return home. That is one of the most effective ways for the Good News to spread.
Jesus thank you for freeing us from the demons of our past, so that we can testify to what you have done for us, to those who know us best. Amen.
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