JOHN MANIATTY
But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, "Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:38-39 On the receiving end of God's power, love, and compassion was a man who had been held in the cruel bondage of sin and demonic oppression. How thankful he must have been to Jesus for coming and sending his tormentors fleeing like a courageous schoolmate who finally stands up to the playground bully. How relieved he must have been to at last be free, at peace, and in his right mind. What was his first response? His heart was full of love and gratitude for his Savior, and all he wanted to do was stay close to Jesus. In fact, “he was begging Him that he might accompany Him.” Why wouldn’t Jesus let him come along? What a powerful testimony he now had. Surely he could have gone with Jesus and His disciples as living proof of Jesus’ fulfillment of the scripture: Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden…” Many have gone and will go to the ends of the earth with the testimony of Jesus. But on whom ought my testimony of “what great things Jesus has done” have the greatest impact? Will it not be those in my house, my family, my city? In His wisdom, God has so ordered our interpersonal relationships that it is those closest to me on whom my life should have the greatest influence. They are the ones who know me best and are therefore in the position of being able to witness firsthand the power of God to transform my life. Perhaps as they marvel at how He has set this captive free, they will then begin to trust Jesus to do great things for them and beg to accompany Him. The glory of the New Covenant is that now, no matter where He sends us, we can stay with Him, for He promises, “…lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) agape, ---john Comments are closed.
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September 2018
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Defender I'm Listening Awe All for Jesus Shout Unto God You Redeem Only Jesus Breakthrough I Surrender Stand in Your Love Confidence Christ is Risen Multiplied Won't Stop Now Ain't No Grave The Great Awaken... The Way Greater Oh Lord We Seek... Zion Thank You Song of Heaven Baptisms! Fullness God of the Imposs... Heaven on Earth Speak You Never Let Go Belong to You Great Things Surrounded Rise Up Joy of the Lord Lift My Life Up Look How He Lifted... Nailed to the Cross Call Upon the Lord Strength of My Life Good Good Father No Other God is on the Move There is Power What a Friend Boldly I Approach Because He Lives Overwhelmed How Can I Keep... Everything Comes... At Your Name God of All My Days Holy Spirit Living Hope Define Me You Alone The Answer Freedom Hymn Boldly I Approach Word of Life Death Was Arrested Broken Vessels Revelation Song Start a Fire So Will I Reckless Love More of You Endless Gracefully Broken Your Love Defends... Drops in the Ocean Get Down When I'm With You Glorious Day Jesus, I Believe Desert Dance Even So Come Here As In Heaven Gracefully Broken Made for Worship Do It Again Just Say Jesus God Is On The Move Old Church Choir Endless Praise No Longer Slaves This Is Amazing... We Believe Come To The Altar Just Keep It Open The Eyes Of... Joy In The Journey Priceless The Great Awak... Give Them Up My Redeemer He's Alive Find Us Faithful Rescuer Show Me Your Face Joy To The World Jesus Is More Hark! The Herald... O Come All Ye Faith... I Exalt Thee Open Our Eyes Two Hands |