I wonder how many of us would do this
Everyone Marveled
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As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Mark 5:18-20 (ESV)
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What a picture of obedience and multiplication!
First we see Jesus leaving the area after doing a great miracle -- as if His work there was done and it was time to move on.
I wonder how many of us would be sensitive enough to the Spirit to leave when a mighty miracle had just been performed?
At the very least I would be debating with God.
Foolish, but I’m a flawed human.
Yet Jesus gets going, ready to move on to the next assignment. Understandably, this man wants to go with Him. But Jesus denies him the chance!
I wonder how many of us would be willing to turn away help like this?
Again, I’d be debating.
“God, You just healed this guy. Clearly, You want him on Your team. He wants to join us… this seems like a win-win.”
But there were bigger missions and the Holy Spirit was guiding in His wisdom. (I say that because I believe that’s what was happening but it’s not explicitly stated, FYI.)
This man’s mission: Go to the ten cities where he was known and declare the Good News of what Jesus did for him.
I wonder how many of us would accept the assignment, despite our disappointment, and then fulfill the mission to the marvel of everyone?
I’d probably be…
…you get it.
The lesson here is pretty simple, even if it’s not easy for us high-ego people:
Listen closely for the assignment from God. Then do it.
…
(For the record, I’m always preaching to myself here, like normal.)
— Ricky Ketchum
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