Many of us who are followers of Jesus live on a subtle guilt trip provided by the enemy of our soul for not going to far away lands to "make disciples of all nations".
While refusing the Lord's assignment given to us personally is not a wise move, understanding our part or role in the Great Commission might look different than we think.
Luke 8:26-40 is the account of a man with a mental health issue to put it mildly. In describing the man, it was said that he "had demons". This man was naked, and homeless when he met up with Jesus. He suffered with seizures and was considered dangerous. He had escaped from the chains, shackles, and bonds used to constraint him and from those whose job it was to guard him.
Jesus met the man when He stepped out of the boat that brought Him to the country of the Gadarenes. Jesus was well recognized by the demons in possession of the man and in a manner befitting a confrontation with the Son of God, the demons pleaded that He not torment them nor send them out into the abyss. The legion of demons requested from Jesus His permission to enter a herd of swine instead.
The account states that great fear came upon the multitude who heard of the incident and the man's deliverance. They asked Jesus to leave them. The man who was delivered from the demons naturally wanted more of the One who healed and restored his mind.
Luke 8:39-40 says, "But Jesus sent him away saying, " Return to your own house and tell them what great things God has done for you". And He went away and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for Him.
So it was that when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him for they were all waiting for Him".
This account is a wonderful explanation and example of simple evangelism: Telling others what great things Jesus has done for us.
Our testimonies may not be as dramatic as this demon possessed man, but when the love of God through Jesus Christ, His Son, touches our lives things change and miracles happen. The very fact that Jesus died in our place changes our eternal destination and that is something amazing to tell others about. Even our trials are engineered to provide wonderful testimony when they come to resolution and our "Red Sea" parts.
As we go about our daily lives sharing with others what great things Jesus has done and is doing for us, others will want meet Jesus themselves.
The Spirit is calling. Can you hear Him?
While refusing the Lord's assignment given to us personally is not a wise move, understanding our part or role in the Great Commission might look different than we think.
Luke 8:26-40 is the account of a man with a mental health issue to put it mildly. In describing the man, it was said that he "had demons". This man was naked, and homeless when he met up with Jesus. He suffered with seizures and was considered dangerous. He had escaped from the chains, shackles, and bonds used to constraint him and from those whose job it was to guard him.
Jesus met the man when He stepped out of the boat that brought Him to the country of the Gadarenes. Jesus was well recognized by the demons in possession of the man and in a manner befitting a confrontation with the Son of God, the demons pleaded that He not torment them nor send them out into the abyss. The legion of demons requested from Jesus His permission to enter a herd of swine instead.
The account states that great fear came upon the multitude who heard of the incident and the man's deliverance. They asked Jesus to leave them. The man who was delivered from the demons naturally wanted more of the One who healed and restored his mind.
Luke 8:39-40 says, "But Jesus sent him away saying, " Return to your own house and tell them what great things God has done for you". And He went away and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for Him.
So it was that when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him for they were all waiting for Him".
This account is a wonderful explanation and example of simple evangelism: Telling others what great things Jesus has done for us.
Our testimonies may not be as dramatic as this demon possessed man, but when the love of God through Jesus Christ, His Son, touches our lives things change and miracles happen. The very fact that Jesus died in our place changes our eternal destination and that is something amazing to tell others about. Even our trials are engineered to provide wonderful testimony when they come to resolution and our "Red Sea" parts.
As we go about our daily lives sharing with others what great things Jesus has done and is doing for us, others will want meet Jesus themselves.
The Spirit is calling. Can you hear Him?
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