I always feel sorry for the man who was healed by Jesus of his demon-possessed spirit. His mind and soul were liberated from the violence and darkness that had overcome him; he was now freely able to think for himself, for the first time in years, so all he wanted to do was to go with Jesus and gratefully follow Him.
But Christ had other plans. He wanted the healed man to go and tell his story to his own people. He was given a mission to spread the good news about Jesus among his family, neighbors, and wider community. They had known him as a fearful and violent man; they could now see him as someone completely restored by God’s mercy and renewed through Christ’s compassion.
The man’s mission would become important because he was preparing the region for a time when Christ’s followers would be persecuted and forced to flee from religious authorities that wanted to eliminate them. The ten cities where the cured man preached would become safe havens for the fleeing Christians. In other words, the mission that Jesus sent the man to fulfill would have major consequences in the future for the dispersed Christian church.
This makes me wonder, what it is that Christ expects of me and my faith today, in order to make it important for others in the future? If I am willing to share my testimony, my story about who Jesus is in my life, it may have a significant impact on loved ones and others who have yet to know and experience His presence in their lives.
Point to ponder: How, and with whom, can I positively share my faith in Christ today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we each have a personal mission that You want us to undertake and accomplish. Encourage us to listen for Your advice, wisdom, and counsel to help us go where You would send us and do what You have us fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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