Inspired by . . . the Gadarenes
More than two thousand pigs were dead.
Jesus had cost the Gadarenes a lot of money, and was disrupting their lives. They begged Him to leave. (Mark 5)
They would rather have a mad man in their midst than a merciful one. At least the mad man had been confined to the tombs. This Jesus, the One the evil spirits obeyed? they couldn’t control Him.
Do you ever feel like the people of Gadara?
Like maybe following this Jesus is costing too much and you didn’t sign up for this?
If you feel this way, perhaps you haven’t surrendered all. Perhaps there is something you’ve held back, hoping He wouldn’t see or ask for it.
You say, 'I am rich and well off; I have all I need.' But you do not know how miserable and pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind. I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see. (Rev 3:17-18)
Take a lesson from the Gadarenes. They saw only what Jesus cost them. They were loth to quit either their sins or their swine. They chose rather to abandon their Savior. If they would but part with their sins, Jesus had both life and happiness for them.
You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is the fullness of JOY,
at Your right hand are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)
The mad man knew this, he had experienced the redeeming power of Jesus first hand. He longed to follow His Savior. But Jesus had other plans for him, for He would not completely abandon the Gadarenes to the demons who roamed their hills. (Job 1:7; Psalm 16:10)
Gadara - Um Keis Today - Source
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had had the demons begged Him, "Let me go with you!" But Jesus would not let him. Instead, He told him, "Go back home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how kind He has been to you." So the man left and went all through the Ten Towns, telling what Jesus had done for him. And all who heard it were amazed.
(Mar 5:18-20)
And He hasn’t abandon you either. You may be hiding from Him, but He’s calling you out.
That evening they heard the LORD God walking in the garden, and they hid from Him among the trees.
But the LORD God called out to the man, "Where are you?" (Gen 3:8-9)
Whether your demons are one, or many, Jesus has the power to remove them - the power to make you FREE.
Release.
Let go.
Open the door.
Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear My voice and open the door,
I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with Me. (Rev 3:20)
Shalom,
June
Sharing inspiration here:
June, I needed this today: "And He hasn’t abandon you either. You may be hiding from Him, but He’s calling you out."
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, my friend.
I just read this part today in the Bible. And it made think how we throw good things out of our lives because we get so scared. Because we can't control them. And especially we can't control God and He is scary. Sometimes it takes time to take that step and put our lives in His hands, and sometimes it never happens, because we are so afraid.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Joanna. I think trust is much harder than belief! We really must trust to grow in faith, and without faith it is impossible to please God. Thankfully, in His mercy, He accepts our baby steps! Thanks so much for stopping by, have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteLaura, you bless me with your presence here. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDelete"And He hasn’t abandon you either. You may be hiding from Him, but He’s calling you out." God has been calling me out too. Just love when the Holy Spirit speaks similiar truth to us - speaks confirmation and unity among our community! Blessed to be your neighbor at #tellhisstory
ReplyDeleteI was just visiting you, Tiffany! Enjoyed your post on light and darkness. Powerful words.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, June. I wanted to come back and revisit this again tonight. Read it 3 times this week -- once on Tuesday (as I am linked up after you at Holly's) and then again on Thursday when you shared it at Thought-Provoking Thursday.
ReplyDeleteThat verse from Psalms 16 is one of my favorites. He is my joy. Where would I be without Him?
My heart truly grieves for those who do not have the hope we have, Lyli. I cannot imagine facing this life without Him. I'm so thankful that these words have blessed you, my friend!
ReplyDelete