S) "38 But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, 39 'Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.' So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."
Luke 8:38-39 (NASB)
O) I can barely comprehend what this man must have faced. The Bible doesn't say exactly how long the man had been possessed, but it says in verse 27, that the man, "had not put on any clothing for a long time," so, he'd been in this condition for a while. But suddenly, he has this bright future ahead of him, except... I imagine he must have felt quite nervous. I mean, I can imagine how I'd feel if I just came through such an ordeal! I would, indeed, have a hard time facing anyone who knew me - and apparently, just about everyone in the region knew this man. Also, the fear of the people, which was previously on him, was now on the One who saved him, and that fear was causing them to drive his Savior away. And so, as Jesus is on the way out, the man, understandably, wants to go with Jesus. Instead, unexpectedly, Jesus commands, "Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you." And so he does.
A) Firstly, over and over throughout the NT, we're told not to operate out of fear (except the fear of The LORD). So, it's important to address fears and overcome them, whatever their cause, so that the will of God can still be done in our lives. Secondly, this is an excellent reminder of the importance and power that our personal testimonies have! No one will ever be able to take this miracle away from this man. Jesus set him free! Lastly, it's a great example of obedience. I can imagine a very easy life for myself: I would be a paid staff member of some ministry that is already established and thriving. It'd paid me enough money and leave me plenty of time for my family, and hobbies, and... and... and... Jesus never offered this to anyone. Obedience can be hard for any number of reasons. If obedience was easy, everyone would do it. The most important thing, when facing a challenge, is to be sure that:
1) I am operating in the fear only of The LORD.
2) I am reminding myself of God's goodness, power to save, and what He has done for me.
3) I am obedient to His will, following His instructions.
A) Firstly, over and over throughout the NT, we're told not to operate out of fear (except the fear of The LORD). So, it's important to address fears and overcome them, whatever their cause, so that the will of God can still be done in our lives. Secondly, this is an excellent reminder of the importance and power that our personal testimonies have! No one will ever be able to take this miracle away from this man. Jesus set him free! Lastly, it's a great example of obedience. I can imagine a very easy life for myself: I would be a paid staff member of some ministry that is already established and thriving. It'd paid me enough money and leave me plenty of time for my family, and hobbies, and... and... and... Jesus never offered this to anyone. Obedience can be hard for any number of reasons. If obedience was easy, everyone would do it. The most important thing, when facing a challenge, is to be sure that:
1) I am operating in the fear only of The LORD.
2) I am reminding myself of God's goodness, power to save, and what He has done for me.
3) I am obedient to His will, following His instructions.
P) Father, in full submission I declare that I want what You want. I choose to fear You alone. You are good, faithful, powerful, mighty, just, sovereign, and eternal. Thank you for the grace and mercy you have put in my life. Show me what You would have me do, and I will do it in humble obedience. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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