Luke and the Lost

Confession:
As a person who seems to plunge into challenges with fervor and passion, I encounter many along the way who may see what I see but have a little trouble moving along as quickly as I think they should to reach the goal. Have you ever had that happen to you?

Truth be told, I am always worried I’M moving too slowly! I feel time is of the essence. I am driven by knowing how very little time we have on this earth to be a difference for the Kingdom. Our life’s journey here is very temporary. This is not our home, we truly are only passing through. But transitions, change and life transformations take time…God’s time. I have to adjust to keep in step with the Savior.

Jesus was accused of too much change, too fast! In the midst of ministry that is gaining speed and momentum, a man possessed of demons (belonging to the devil) came up to Jesus to face Him head on and demanded “What business do you have messing with me? You’re Jesus, Son of the High God, but don’t give me a hard time!” “(The man said this because Jesus had started to order the unclean spirit out of him.)” Luke 8, The Message

Isn’t it interesting that there were no demons mentioned in the Old Testament? Demons did not appear until Jesus came to seek and to save lost people on this earth. The fallen angel, satan, who tempted Jesus before his ministry, now comes before him, again, possess a common man’s soul, and calls him by name, “You’re Jesus, Son of the High God”! The demons KNOW who Jesus is and what He is capable of and continue to battle Him. But with this public battle comes an episode that scares all who look on…the demons possessing the man ask to be thrown into a herd of pigs instead of the bottomless pit. Jesus does just that and the man of possession is instantly healed. Jesus wins, devil loses…again.

People came from all around to see the miracle of life transformation for themselves. Read their reaction below. Pastors who are trying to transform lives in their congregations will relate. “It was a holy moment, and for a short time they were more reverent than curious.” When a new pastor comes to a congregation, there is hope, smiles all around, with excitement abounding…a holy, reverent moment. Then when the pastor begins to preach about life transformation, ministry that could be done in more meaningful ways through changes…the atmosphere turns from holy to horror if changes are “inflicted” too fast. So, I’m am slightly amused at how Peterson paraphrases this passage as we read the “rest of the story”.

Luke 8, The Message
37-39 Later, a great many people from the Gerasene countryside got together and asked Jesus to leave—too much change, too fast, and they were scared. So Jesus got back in the boat and set off. The man whom he had delivered from the demons asked to go with him, but he sent him back, saying, “Go home and tell everything God did in you.” So he went back and preached all over town everything Jesus had done in him.

Wow…even Jesus got heat for too much change, too fast. The key words? “They were scared”. Fear drives anger. Fear destroys and satan knows that and hits those venerable areas of our lives.

These last words bring tears to my eyes…”Jesus got back in the boat and set off.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Restore unto us the joy of our salvation and renew a right Spirit within us. Lead us to where You are and be our wisdom, insight and understanding. Help us to be as patient with others as You are with us. Help me to be still and know You more.
In Jesus Name, Amen