The Gospel reading for this Sunday is based on Jesus going to the country of the Gerasenes and being met by a demon-possessed man. Jesus removes the evil force within this man and the man then witnesses to what Jesus has done for him. Here is the beginning of the story:
"Then [Jesus and his disciples] arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me" - for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him: What is your name?" He said, Legion: for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Luke 8: 26-31
It can happen to any of us. We get stuck in our own lives with some destructive habit or addiction. We yearn to be free. We may try the best of our efforts to free ourselves, only to discover we aren't making any progress. Maybe with Jesus' help things can be turned around for us.
Why is this so critical that we do get turned around and not linger in our bad habits or addictions? It is because unless we do so, we don't have the freedom to give ourselves completely to be in the Lord's service. We not only are hindered from having the abundant life, but we are less capable of really being fully present to be serving the Lord.
I would ask you to assess your own life. Is there anything which is holding you back from fully being in service to your Lord? If there is, you can ask for Jesus help.
Jesus cast out the demon in this man and he was free to witness for the Lord. You may want to read the full reading in Luke 8:26-39. May God's blessing be in your preparation or worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
"Then [Jesus and his disciples] arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me" - for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him: What is your name?" He said, Legion: for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Luke 8: 26-31
It can happen to any of us. We get stuck in our own lives with some destructive habit or addiction. We yearn to be free. We may try the best of our efforts to free ourselves, only to discover we aren't making any progress. Maybe with Jesus' help things can be turned around for us.
Why is this so critical that we do get turned around and not linger in our bad habits or addictions? It is because unless we do so, we don't have the freedom to give ourselves completely to be in the Lord's service. We not only are hindered from having the abundant life, but we are less capable of really being fully present to be serving the Lord.
I would ask you to assess your own life. Is there anything which is holding you back from fully being in service to your Lord? If there is, you can ask for Jesus help.
Jesus cast out the demon in this man and he was free to witness for the Lord. You may want to read the full reading in Luke 8:26-39. May God's blessing be in your preparation or worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
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