THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:26-39
“The people… asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear.” (Luke 8:37)
I have been in similar situations like this.
Someone looking for hope comes to me, and I talk to them about Jesus.
I describe His love, His way, His promise to be with them and to set them free.
But sadly their fears or doubts or emotions override their interest.
They cannot see Jesus, they cannot see the freedom He offers.
All they see is the crisis, the disaster, the danger, and they shut Jesus out.
I am not being critical here, my heart goes out to them.
I am in no place to judge, I have not been in their shoes, dealing with their fears.
“Return home and tell how much God has done for you. So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:39)
Thankfully Jesus does not give up on us, even when we give up on Him.
Even though the townspeople send Jesus away, He sneaks back in through this man.
He finds other ways to communicate His hope, His freedom, when they do not hear Him.
This is encouraging: even if someone shuts the door, the Lord isn’t done with them yet.
Satan does what he can to discourage, distract and defeat us… but Jesus is stronger.
Even when we shut the door in fear, Jesus sends other messengers of hope.
He will not give up on me or you, even if we give up on Him!
Every day is a new day to experience His message of freedom and hope!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for not giving up on me even when I shut the door on You! Thank You that today is a new day, a new opportunity to meet You.