Go Home
The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "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 8:38-39
INSIGHT
The last time we saw Jesus, He comforted His disciples, who were both fearful and seasick. The unsettledness of the seas echoed what was taking place inside their hearts. Jesus commanded the waves to lessen and the lighting and thunder ceased.
We love miracles like this; they practically write their own Sunday School lessons. But, here's the thing: Jesus and His disciples don’t remain on the boat. The next morning they arrive on the shores of Gerasenes. Tired, exhausted, having received little to no sleep from the night before, they're greeted by a naked, demon-possessed man who lives among the tombs. Jesus sends the demons into pigs who dive-bomb off the cliffs to their death. The frightened and bewildered townspeople then urge Jesus to get out of dodge, which He obliges.
Today's story has many twists and turns to it - one that, due to its strangeness and oddity, we tend to skip over. Yet, if we take a step back, we recognize a profound truth that, if held onto, should shape what we do with the work God does within our hearts.
After taming the wild sea, Jesus tames a wild man. By the sound of His voice, He produces peace amid the storm, and now Jesus gives peace to a tortured soul. Even though this torment had followed the man for years, it only takes a moment's encounter with Jesus to be free. The man says farewell to the chains that not only held his body captive, but also prevented him from stepping into his worth, dignity, and value.
It's no wonder then that the man begs Jesus to go with him. One would expect that the answer to this inquiry is a no-brainer, but to the man's surprise, Jesus tells him no. Instead, Jesus orders him to return home. Jesus had granted the demon’s request and had no problem with leaving town as the residents demanded; however, He denies the healed man's request.
Just like the man, we're left wondering, "Why?" Jesus doesn't tell the man to go home so that he can go back to his everyday life and routine. No, even in his rejected request, Jesus gives the man a purpose: Return home and tell how much God has done for you.
Did you catch that? Having experienced Christ's healing power, the man would spend the rest of his days proclaiming it in the places where he was most known and recognized. The maniac becomes a missionary. The same call resides within us. The completion of our transformation requires us to proclaim it. Full healing only occurs if it becomes a declaration. What we experienced needs to be expressed.
A changed life speaks volumes to an outside world. Yes, our life changes might not be as immediate and dramatic as they were for him, but we all have a story to share. The people who knew you "before" will often notice your "after" better than you do. They see the small changes in your attitudes, emotions, and actions. Do you want to have a life of influence? Return home and look around you.
REFLECTION
How have you experienced the transforming power of Christ?
How are you sharing your story of transformation with others?
PRAYER
God, an encounter with Your love changed everything about me. You renewed my heart and mind. The old has gone, and the new has come. May I never forget or lose sight of this transformation. Instead, I desire to display boldness by sharing my story with those around me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
