This man, known as “Legion” for the many demons that possessed him was desperate. He met Jesus and the disciples as they stepped off the boat in the country of Gerasenes.
For a long time (the Bible doesn’t say how long) he hadn’t worn clothes or lived in a house. He lived among the tombs, in the midst of the dead.
He was kept under guard and chains and shackles attempted to bind him. He would break these chains and the demons that possessed him drove him into the desert.
This is a loneliness and desperation that I cannot fathom.
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him. The demons inside recognized the Son of God and His authority over them.
These demons begged Jesus not to torment them. They knew what was coming.
Jesus commanded the many demons to leave this man and he was healed.
When the people of the city next saw this man he was clothed and in his right mind.
What a change they must have witnessed!
This man was now free. He was healed, made whole and free by Jesus. He desired to go with Jesus as he left that place.
He begged that he might be with Jesus, his healer.
But Jesus said no. He instructed the man to, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39)
The man obeyed.
“And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39
Sometimes, like the man in this story, our greatest work for Christ is to tell what he has done for us.
This man who had been healed in such a mighty way wanted to go with Jesus, but he was instructed to return home and tell his story.
Returning home to the ones that knew him and saw him in his greatest distress was of greater importance than going out with Jesus to a foreign land.
As I read this, I consider my own story and the importance of telling it.
I was lost and Jesus gave me new life and hope.
I was searching for acceptance and love. I found unconditional acceptance and love in my Savior.
I was downcast and lonely when Christ gave me joy and peace.
My story is the greatest, most important thing I can share with you.
Telling my story is one of the driving reasons for writing in this space.
My story includes my past, my life before my life was forever changed upon accepting Christ. My story also includes every day that I live out my Christian faith, seeking to grow into the creation He has made me to be.
My story includes self-doubt, mistakes, failures, and sin.
My story also includes grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
My story includes being a Christian, wife, mom, homemaker, daughter, sister, friend, military-spouse, blogger, and so much more. My story includes lots of questions answered only with faith.
My story is what I have been called to share…as I return home to familiar friends and family and as I forge through life meeting and making new friends.
What’s your story?
How are you sharing it?
This post is linked to 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama.
The topic this week is “Story” and these words were put on my heart as I read the story of the man with a demon in Luke 8 this morning.
Check out the other blogs joining in 5 Minute Friday today at The Gypsy Mama and you will be blessed.
susan says
thanks for sharing your story. in a way, i think most blogs reflect the writers need and desire to share their stories and be heard. but telling our stories well required authenticity and transparency – and those are sometimes scary.
you are correct, our own stories are empty unless they are part of the greatest story ever told – the one of redemption and grace.
blessings, susan
Coley says
Such a great reminder that we are all part of a bigger story – we each have our own individual stories full of ups and downs, sins, forgiveness, and love. And it’s God’s love that saved us and brought us together.
Beautiful, Monica, just beautiful.