Word@Work Luke132- Luke 8:38-39
Published: Thu, 06/24/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
THE WORK OF WITNESS
Luke 8:38-39 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over the town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)
Satan's power-game with one man had been stopped. Jesus had expelled a legion of demons from this previously tormented person; and they displayed the full force of their destructive power by driving a herd of pigs down the rocky slopes to drown in the sea. The once-demonised man could now control himself, he was dressed and able to sit quietly, listening to Jesus. The naked tantrums had gone: a new life had begun, and it was all because Jesus had the authority to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8).
This man, having been driven out of the town and presumably disowned by his family, instantly found himself in a new family with Jesus and the disciples. Surely it would be best to make his home with them; and so he begged Jesus to allow him to join the travelling team. But no! Jesus had a better plan - to send him back to his town and family. The Saviour wanted them to see the remarkable change in the man he had saved, to show them that Satan's power could be broken and captives set free. Instead of arguing, the man gladly obeyed and did everything Jesus told him to do (that alone was evidence of a major life-change)!
So, the released man became a model for millions of believers, who know that part of their life's purpose is to tell family, friends and colleagues how much Jesus has done for them. Although a different lifestyle may be intriguing, others will never know how it came about unless they are told. Some new believers would like to leave the old life behind completely, and wonder about seeking full time church-based ministry; but the work of verbal witness to those who know them well, is vital. It is a part of a new life-purpose. Indeed, the gospel enables followers of Jesus to see their home and workplace in a new light. Instead of being places to earn money, socialise, eat and sleep, they become full of people who need to know how to find the liberation which only Jesus can bring. And if you know Jesus, that is a big part of why He has placed you there!
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. Thank You for dealing with the deceiving work of the devil in my life and for bringing me into Your family. Although sometimes I would like to be removed from the secular world, I know that You have placed me there so that I can explain what You have done for me. Please help me to be clear-minded about my witness for You today; I do not know how much Your Word is needed in the lives of any of my friends, but You do. And I believe You will use the words of truth I speak about Jesus so that seekers will find their Saviour. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Satan's power-game with one man had been stopped. Jesus had expelled a legion of demons from this previously tormented person; and they displayed the full force of their destructive power by driving a herd of pigs down the rocky slopes to drown in the sea. The once-demonised man could now control himself, he was dressed and able to sit quietly, listening to Jesus. The naked tantrums had gone: a new life had begun, and it was all because Jesus had the authority to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8).
This man, having been driven out of the town and presumably disowned by his family, instantly found himself in a new family with Jesus and the disciples. Surely it would be best to make his home with them; and so he begged Jesus to allow him to join the travelling team. But no! Jesus had a better plan - to send him back to his town and family. The Saviour wanted them to see the remarkable change in the man he had saved, to show them that Satan's power could be broken and captives set free. Instead of arguing, the man gladly obeyed and did everything Jesus told him to do (that alone was evidence of a major life-change)!
So, the released man became a model for millions of believers, who know that part of their life's purpose is to tell family, friends and colleagues how much Jesus has done for them. Although a different lifestyle may be intriguing, others will never know how it came about unless they are told. Some new believers would like to leave the old life behind completely, and wonder about seeking full time church-based ministry; but the work of verbal witness to those who know them well, is vital. It is a part of a new life-purpose. Indeed, the gospel enables followers of Jesus to see their home and workplace in a new light. Instead of being places to earn money, socialise, eat and sleep, they become full of people who need to know how to find the liberation which only Jesus can bring. And if you know Jesus, that is a big part of why He has placed you there!
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. Thank You for dealing with the deceiving work of the devil in my life and for bringing me into Your family. Although sometimes I would like to be removed from the secular world, I know that You have placed me there so that I can explain what You have done for me. Please help me to be clear-minded about my witness for You today; I do not know how much Your Word is needed in the lives of any of my friends, but You do. And I believe You will use the words of truth I speak about Jesus so that seekers will find their Saviour. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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