The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him” Luke 8: 38-39.
Returning to this most engaging ethically, emotionally and theologically charged narrative I note that the inhabitants of this community, known also as Decapolis, were Greeks not Jews. They had a thriving business in swine and their market was the Roman legions in Palestine. The massive loss in investment of individuals, families and the required diet of the Romans in order to redeem one man who was a “nobody” caused a major social stir. if that happened in any farming community in Jamaica someone would try to make Jesus a “duppy”. I think he was fortunate that they begged him to leave. Interestingly, the man begged Jesus to allow him to accompany him and his disciples. Why??
I think he wanted to leave his home, family, past and community and go on the mission field for his own sanity, safety and as an expression of gratitude. The Gospel does not say but I believe people were not only mad at Jesus but vented their anger against this man. Maybe he was scared for his life or thought that it was best to be with the only one who acknowledged his humanity and who did not regard him just as a subject of gossip and ridicule. Maybe he wanted to go where no one knew him and the scars of his past would not inspire and feed stigma, gossip and discrimination; where his life would not be in danger from angry citizens. Also it might have been safer for his own relatives.
It is somewhat shocking that Jesus refused the man’s application and the man’s ministry was so outstanding (see Mark 5: 19-20). Jesus instructed "Legion" to go home and evangelize and he did.
To be new and different in the old context is not easy. Many believers having remained in their context have experienced waning enthusiasm, decreasing commitment and stunted growth. In order to grow, flourish and become effective some believers have relocated; others joined a different church; still other have changed jobs and professions. Some believers have had a bitter and horrible past and wished it was possible to relive their lives in order to avoid some of the blunders and scares of the past.
Jesus wants some of us to go home and in “God’s mighty power” to face and conquer our past and tell those who know us how the “amazing grace” of God has been displayed in our lives. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, to the will of God and are willing to become God’s messengers there is no telling the scope and impact our lives can have on others.
Maybe none of us was where this man was. No one believed or knew us to be possessed by unnatural powers that were evil. We “have decided to follow Jesus” and we are willing to go with him anywhere and everywhere. However, like the man, Jesus is sending us back to our homes and communities to tell what the Lord has done for us.
One weakness in the modern church is that not enough members are actively and aggressively telling those at home and in our communities what God has and is doing for us. We go and talk but, unfortunately, we talk more about each other than about Jesus.
Has Jesus done anything for you lately? Maybe he wants you to go on the Home Mission Field. Is there someone you know who you need to tell the miracles God has worked in your life? Tell them! They will be blessed.
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