As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed. – Mark 5:18-20 (CSB)
While coming into the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus encountered a man possessed by a legion of demons. After casting them out into a herd of pigs that then jumped off a cliff, the people of the land asked Jesus to leave. He did, and as he was departing, the man who had been possessed begged to go with him.
But Jesus had different plans for the man. He told him to return to his own people and tell them how much God had done for him.
Sometimes Jesus calls us on an epic journey of faith that takes us well beyond our comfort zones to proclaim the gospel far and wide. Other times, Jesus tells us to go home—but even then it is with the same task: Tell others about what Jesus has done for you.
Some of us have stories, like this man, where we were radically saved from a situation or lifestyle that brought great harm. Others of us lived generally as “good people” according to the world’s standards, but came to realize that didn’t keep us from being desperate sinners against God who chased our own heart idols instead of worshiping him.
Whatever our background, our salvation is a great act of God where he does infinitely more for us than what we deserve. Saved by grace, we each have a story to share with others. We each are called to be everyday missionaries.
Maybe that means that Jesus will lead you to get into the boat with him and go to some region far from home. Maybe that means that Jesus will tell you to stay and share with your friends, family, and neighbors. Either way, tell others the story of the great things that God has done for you.
Picture taken and modified from pixabay.com
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