And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
Luke 8:40
Dear Church and Friends,
My children live at a distance from me, but they recently came up for a visit. In the days leading up to their arrival preparation was at the top of the list. Floors had to be swept, house straightened, kitchen cleaned, yard mowed, and their favorite foods purchased for their arrival.
However, the day of their homecoming was filled with waiting and anticipation. To make the time go faster I kept myself busy. I worked in my office securing loose end on projects I hadn’t thought about in months. Then, I heard the car doors shut in my drive way. I knew they were here. You might say “I gladly received” them.
In Mark 8:37-40 Jesus is received by two different groups of people with two very different results. This passage acts as a bridge between the healing of the man with the Legion and Jairus’ daughter, but don’t miss what is here.
The people of the Gadarenes, after seeing the demon possessed sitting and in his right mind, ask Jesus to leave.
- Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again (verse 37).
Notice that Jesus left. He didn’t argue with them and he could have made a case for why he should stay. However, that job, he left to the man in his right mind. The multitude wasn’t in their right mind because they were “taken with great fear” which always clouds good decision making.
He leaves and comes over to a happy, glad reception. They were waiting for him! When we wait, anticipation builds and joy is increased. The Bible is filled with the blessing that comes from waiting on the Lord. Here is just one:
- Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14
The people of the Gadarenes were fearful and asked Jesus to leave. Unfortunately there are many like that today. They are afraid of his judgment of their lives, of the change he might make, and of the correction he brings. When men are in love with their sin they won’t tolerate the presence of Christ.
The people on the other side of the lake embraced Jesus and received him gladly. They wanted what he had, his presence with them was a blessing not a curse. They wanted to learn more and were willing to lay down their idols to have the Son of Man among them.
Which one are you? Do you fearfully reject Jesus or do you receive him gladly? Wait on him today and let your joy increase.
Music: My Ransom by Doxology
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Prayer Requests: Please pray for the following.
- Dr. Harold E Mitchell, Pine Bluff, Ark.Dr. Harold E. Mitchell is a denominational chaplain serving the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Pine Bluff, Ark. “Please continue to pray for the many men at the Arkansas Department of Corrections who have had the virus and the rest who are isolated due to the restrictions. Pray that the volunteers and denominational chaplains will be able to go back in the prison as projected. Also, pray the church services and faith-based programs will be restored.”
All my best.
Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
Luke 8:39
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