"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."
--Luke 8:39
Do you remember the biblical account of the demoniac of the Gadarenes (Luke 8:26-39).
He had been given up on; rejected by his family, abandoned by the community, homeless, and deemed "hopeless". His inner turmoil, pain, and distress governed his being. Because he was so wild and out of control, his only resort was seemingly living in a cemetery.
Yet, an encounter with Jesus changed this man's life instantly. In fact, when the town's people saw the one whom they had given up on clothed, seated, and in his right mind, they became afraid. (Isn't it just like Jesus to do a work so radical that people are stunned; albeit fearful?)
After this man was healed, he pleaded to go with Jesus:
"But the man from whom the demons had gone out kept begging Him, pleading to go with Him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell [about] all the great things God has done for you.” So the man went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."--Luke 8:38-39 (AMP)
Why wouldn't Jesus allow this gentleman to accompany Him on His journeys? This man of the Gaderenes had become a point man; chosen by the Lord to minister a message of hope, healing, and deliverance to his family, those in his sphere of influence, and the community at large. His message of the Good News would have been undeniable to those who knew him in his "before Christ" state; riddled with lunacy, aggressive and self-destructive behavior. He became a living memorial that true freedom from emotional chains and invisible mental bondage can only be found in Christ.
Even in the face of rejection, abandonment, and being left for "dead" in the eyes of others (or ourselves) it may be seem like a "no-brainer" to conclude that's a wrap, a "KO". But that would be an incorrect and premature assessment. We, as believers, are never hopeless. If you are facing a difficulty, there is good news for you today! You are not beyond the intervention, help, and healing of the Lord. Whatever the challenge, Yeshua gave His life for you to overcome it. He desires that you walk in total freedom and liberty. Receive His redemptive love and accept His restorative power.
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Yeshua, I thank you that I am not beyond help. I give you the pain of my heart--every disappointment, feelings of guilt, worry, and discouragement. I receive the gift of hope that you have given. You have destined me to overcome this obstacle(s). I decree and declare that I will overcome because your power is at work in my life. Amen and so be it according to your holy Word!
He had been given up on; rejected by his family, abandoned by the community, homeless, and deemed "hopeless". His inner turmoil, pain, and distress governed his being. Because he was so wild and out of control, his only resort was seemingly living in a cemetery.
Yet, an encounter with Jesus changed this man's life instantly. In fact, when the town's people saw the one whom they had given up on clothed, seated, and in his right mind, they became afraid. (Isn't it just like Jesus to do a work so radical that people are stunned; albeit fearful?)
After this man was healed, he pleaded to go with Jesus:
"But the man from whom the demons had gone out kept begging Him, pleading to go with Him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell [about] all the great things God has done for you.” So the man went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."--Luke 8:38-39 (AMP)
Why wouldn't Jesus allow this gentleman to accompany Him on His journeys? This man of the Gaderenes had become a point man; chosen by the Lord to minister a message of hope, healing, and deliverance to his family, those in his sphere of influence, and the community at large. His message of the Good News would have been undeniable to those who knew him in his "before Christ" state; riddled with lunacy, aggressive and self-destructive behavior. He became a living memorial that true freedom from emotional chains and invisible mental bondage can only be found in Christ.
Even in the face of rejection, abandonment, and being left for "dead" in the eyes of others (or ourselves) it may be seem like a "no-brainer" to conclude that's a wrap, a "KO". But that would be an incorrect and premature assessment. We, as believers, are never hopeless. If you are facing a difficulty, there is good news for you today! You are not beyond the intervention, help, and healing of the Lord. Whatever the challenge, Yeshua gave His life for you to overcome it. He desires that you walk in total freedom and liberty. Receive His redemptive love and accept His restorative power.
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Yeshua, I thank you that I am not beyond help. I give you the pain of my heart--every disappointment, feelings of guilt, worry, and discouragement. I receive the gift of hope that you have given. You have destined me to overcome this obstacle(s). I decree and declare that I will overcome because your power is at work in my life. Amen and so be it according to your holy Word!
