Today we engaged our imaginations in the story of Jesus healing the Gadarene demoniac. With the storm having been calmed by Jesus we see the disciple's boat coming ashore, Jesus getting out, and the demon possessed man coming to meet Jesus. It is curious there is no record of the disciples getting out of the boat. No doubt they were still "terrified" by seeing Jesus calm the storm, but would these good Jews step out of the boat where there was pig fodder and follow Jesus? No doubt living and fishing on the lake they had heard rumors of the demon possessed man living amongst the tombs on the South East shore. Perhaps they avoided and feared that beach head. Would they step out of the boat into a possibly dangerous situation with a powerfully strong, naked, filthy, demon possessed man? There is no record they even got out of the boat. Jesus didn't hesitate - he healed and restored the man to health and to fellowship with his community. Jesus didn't die on the cross and rise again to keep us safe and comfortable, but that we could take up our cross and follow him. Lord, may we be ready and willing to jump out of the boat and "follow you into the homes of the broken".
God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center in Marked Tree, Arkansas (Where I am privileged to teach every week) is a rehabilitation ministry of Mission Teens for drug users, alcoholics, and mentally unstable people. I partner with Mission Teens because I have seen first-hand how God is using this ministry to change lives and make disciples of Jesus.
http://www.missionteens.com/
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