Go Ye Therefore

Mark 5:19 - However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

As delivered and redeemed children of God, it is our responsibility to become disciples and proclaim the name of Jesus, to tell all what great things He has done for us. For some He has done amazingly miraculous deliverance; for others He has seemingly quietly changed their lives. In either case, Jesus has set us free from the burden of sin and guilt; we are new in Christ. It is the change in us that is seen which matters.

The scripture above was referencing an unnamed man Jesus and His disciples came across. This man lived a horrific life in the mountains living among tombs. He was demon-filled, quite vocal, uncontrollable, unable to be confined and often cut himself with stones. Demon possessed.

When Jesus appeared the man, because of the absolute power of the Lord, fell at His feet. The man, more likely the demons, cried out to Him not to torment him. We are reminded that even the demons tremble at God (John 2:19). This man had no control whatsoever over his own body.

I think about the day when He returns and we all will be able to see Him. Some day every knee will bow and tongue confess Jesus is Lord (Romans 14:11). Not one person will be able to stand in His presence. All will bow before Him. I pray my bowing will be graciously, without force.

Here Jesus merely appeared and the demons shuddered. This was not just one demon but many, as was pointed out when he gave Jesus his name of Legion. Legion: regiment, according to Strong's Concordance and can be 6,000 in number or more! Imagine being utterly controlled by that amount of force.  But the power of God was and still is greater than any amount of demons...if we choose Jesus...and confess His name. Those demons knew what they were up against and it seems they believed if they could be transferred from this man to another being, in this case 2,000 swine, they might have a chance to at least survive.

Little did these demons know the reaction of the swine. When they entered the swine they barreled down the side of a cliff into the sea (of Galilee). This man, set free from the power of those demons, wanted to be part of Jesus' entourage. Who wouldn't? But Jesus said no, instead telling him to spread the news of what happened to him, how the Lord had compassion on him and healed him. People were able to see the difference in this man. There was no doubt he had been delivered by a greater Power than those demons. Think about this: These demons indwelled him. When we know Jesus, He indwells us...this Man whose power is so much greater.

Imagine all the people who have been in addiction for anything. Imagine even those people who are so distressed they, too, cut themselves. Addiction of any kind is a form of possession, obsession. It is not normal; it does not come from God but from satan. In some cases might even be called demon possession. Our enemy is a demon.

Imagine also someone who has been set free of an (or many) addictions. Imagine the change that takes place. The life that is changed. The freedom experienced. The exaltation. True deliverance comes through an encounter with Jesus Christ. There are many programs available for the addict but not one has the same healing power of Christ. The physical part might be cleaned up but not the spiritual. Without the spiritual healing possession can return.

We may never be filled with a legion of demons but we are still sin-filled and in need of a Deliverer. We are all as filthy rags in the eyes of God until we receive the Christ who takes away the sins of the world. We all start this life dead to our sins. We all start life on equal footing. We will not all end our lives on equal footing in Christ, however. Some will cling to their old man...and even their demons.

We are called, whether demon possessed or just finally aware of our sinful spiritual condition, to proclaim the great things the Lord has done for us and His compassion for us. When people can see the difference they too might take this Jesus seriously. But it is up to us to do as this man: proclaim all that Jesus had done for him so that all will marvel.

Lord God, I ask that You renew this spirit in me that I might proclaim the wondrous things You have done. I thank You for Your compassion toward me, for gently wooing me into Your presence, for setting me free and opening my heart, eyes, mind and ears to all You are. Thank You for Your Word of truth and encouragement and comfort...words that are just as relevant today as they were back in the days when they were first written or spoken. Your words bring life to all who cling to them. Praise You!

As our pastor, Terry Fischer of The Church in Wisconsin, pointed out on Sunday, Jesus is the Word made flesh. Jesus made the word something more than you hear, but something you see. Jesus may not physically be walking on the earth today, but He is walking this earth in [those who have been delivered by Him]. So saints of God, let the message you preach be more than words, but let it be a message that is seen.

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Amen.

The Ark

Genesis 6:8-9 - But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

I returned last Saturday from a church bus trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Two of the highlights of the trip were two plays we saw, The Passion Play and Noah, the Musical. We all know the story behind the Passion of Christ. We all know the story of Noah. I know I've written about the symbolism behind Noah and his ark. Something about seeing this play struck the hearts of nearly everyone on the trip. It was all the talk.

There's so much about this account of Noah that can be said. He was 500 years old when God told him to build the ark. It took 100 years. 

Noah's dedication to God was immense. He did not question God. He just did. The earth had never seen rain or flooding so how could he comprehend these things? The earth then was replenished with moisture like that of a terrarium. The earth had enough moisture beneath the surface and the earth's atmosphere held in just what was needed. No rain. The gentle hand of a loving God provided.

But God was fed up to say the least with the corruption of the earth. "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth," God told Noah in verse 13. He wanted to start over with Noah and his small family of eight, three sons and their wives, and he and his wife. He would destroy all things beneath heaven and since He found Noah righteous, He gave him and his family favor. He would establish a covenant with Noah. A covenant initiated by God is everlasting as opposed to man who tends to break covenant time and again. I wish I could go into more detail about covenants here. The symbolism is amazing.

Noah and his sons built the ark and no doubt as they did the people questioned them as they told them of God's plan. The people couldn't fathom what a flood was having never experienced such a thing so they mocked and scoffed. But Noah stood his ground because He trusted and believed in his LORD. Reminds me of the scripture in 2Corinthians 4:18 - while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. By faith Noah trusted enough. It's what God desires of each of us too in today's world. How many really do? Are we consumed with the things we have and do and do not even consider what happens when we die?? The people of Noah's day did that and look where they ended up.

After 100 years of building and putting up with the scoffing, the ark was finished. By God's hand the animals were lead in two by two, along with Noah and his family. God, not Noah, closed the (only) door to the ark. There's another scripture in Revelation 3:8 that says “... See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."  This sounds like Noah...he did not deny God nor go against all he was told to do, despite the pressure and mocking of all others. God finalizes this 100 years of ark building. He had given the people plenty of time to reconsider their ways. Now the door closes and the rains begin...and continue...and continue. 

In the play you hear the screams on the other side of the door. Friends, neighbors, even family members. You see the anguish of Noah's family because they cannot open the door. It's too late. They didn't trust in what they couldn't see, only in what they saw before them in their lives. God's wrath on the world will come again, despite the people who scoff today. All life outside the relationship with Jesus, the Ark, will perish.

After the intermission we were told to be sure to be in our seats for the second half. Don't miss a thing. As the lights came on little by little we saw an expansion of the ark, On both sides of the auditorium were three tiers of rooms (make rooms in the ark, Genesis 6:14) that housed animals (most animated, some real) and foodstuffs. It was breathtaking. 

As the play continued we saw how Noah's family cared for the animals and made a life for themselves for over 300 days. And at last, without going into detail, they were on dry ground and were able to exit the ark to a new world.

The end of the play was upon us. We saw the ark slowly coming apart and forming a cross. What we saw next was incredible. The ark door opened once again and a great white light and "smoke" appeared. Out stepped Jesus. He said: I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (John 10:9, 14:6, Acts 4:12) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

The ark symbolizes the promise of eternal life in Christ. Jesus is the only Door to this life.  If one chooses not to receive Christ (enter into the ark), that door is closed in his last days. Like Noah and his family, they represented the few who received the invitation to enter into the ark. Today there also are few and the way is narrow and few enter by the narrow gate.

Just as Noah was delivered from the flood, we can be delivered through Jesus Christ. Many hear these words but most do not accept them seriously. The covenant God initiated with Noah still stands today. The ark is Jesus Christ. He is the only Door to everlasting life. It is one that must purposely be stepped into. It's not about knowing Jesus, it's about being in relationship with Him. It's trusting in Him despite what the world thinks, how it also has a purpose...to take God out of all areas of life...the mockers, the scoffers, the unbelievers. If anyone is lax in that belief, that door will close. That Door means life. Like the ark, there are many dwelling places that He has prepared for us. There is one for each who enter into relationship with Jesus.

One last detail about the play itself...only Jesus Christ was seen at the end. No accolades to or bows from actors. All the glory was given to God...as it should be. 

As the trip came to a close, it was noted that word after word, event after event was about oneness. Oneness in each other as we traveled together peacefully. Oneness knowing that God was with us each step of the way and even showing us in incredible ways how He was looking out for us, bringing perfect moments at just the right time, providing for us and blessing not just us but others whose paths crossed with ours. When we come to Christ, these things can be lived out daily. It's well worth the choice of receiving God, being counted as His, having His covenant be for each of us. That covenant is Jesus Christ. Find grace through Him. The greatest oneness is being in Christ.

Another day will come when the door will be closed permanently. People even mock this. The Bible tells us in Revelation about God's wrath on earth. All those outside the will of God and have chosen not to be in Christ, will perish. But until that day Jesus continues to pursue: 

John 6:37 - “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

You ARE Healed

Psalms 107:20 - He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Why do we constantly need to be reminded that we ARE healed? Perhaps it's all the busyness in this life. The Word tells us we ARE healed if we have received Christ and all He has done for us. God sent Him, His Word, to die for us, that we might be healed and have life.

So why do we complain and worry about the aches and pains of every day life or get bent out of shape over things that are no more? We have never been told that our lives would be pain free but we are given strength for those times. When we start to complain or let old hurts cause unsettling, we are not trusting God's hand upon our bodies.

By His stripes we ARE healed. Whether it's physical or spiritual, we ARE healed. If I'm struggling with a disease, whether it is curable or not, I AM healed...because I have received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. When we do this, He takes away our sins. My assurance of life after death is certain, so even in death, I AM healed.

Yes, God can take a person and bring a miraculous healing. I've seen it in our own church...someone diagnosed with cancer, has the paperwork to prove it and then it's just gone. Or the woman, who I personally know, with painful arthritis is prayed for and she walks out of the sanctuary pain-free! Doctors can't figure it out. But we know...something miraculous happened. But sometimes He doesn't bring physical healing. Does that mean that if that person is a follower of Christ, a child of God, we can't cling to the fact that this person isn't healed? NO. 

To me the most important healing is of the heart. When Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts are healed. We experience a spiritual healing that only Jesus can do. Death or lingering illness no longer needs to be "the end" of life. I don't doubt that being in the midst of a serious illness is not easy. Jesus suffered a lot so what makes us think we should get off without some amount ourselves? 

It's at these times that we need to cling to Jesus, cling to His strength, His power to get us through crisis. We might get through illness somehow and that's great. But sometimes illnesses last the rest of our lives. It's that thorn in the flesh from which the Apostle Paul was never released. It helps us to stay more focused on the Who than the what or the why...or at least it should. Sometimes illness results in death. It's the end result that is important to cling to. With Jesus by our side we have the hope of life after death. We have the hope of eternal life with Christ and death should not be fearful.

Where did all this come from? I had to remind myself yesterday morning when I awoke and the dreaded feelings of "not being interesting enough to be listened to" erupted after an excruciating dream I'd had...that this very thing had happened to me...that what I had to say in my dream wasn't interesting, or worth listening to...that the person I was with absolutely walked away from and stayed hidden from me. OMG, it wasn't until later yesterday morning, after I had written my blog, that it dawned on me what I had written eclipsed the very feelings I was having..."no one wants to listen to this." 

As I awoke with this feeling I said either out loud or very loudly in my head, "NO! I will not accept this feeling. I am a child of God." And what can a child of God know....that whatever...WHATEVER...was a problem from my past no longer needs to be. I AM healed, whether others choose to believe it or not. I AM loved by my Father in Heaven. When I received Him, I was healed spiritually and that includes those thoughts that the devil likes to remind you of and slips in your mind at all the wrong times.

The thought of not listening to, or pushing aside God's word...Isaiah 55 tells us that any word of God that goes forth from His mouth will not return to Him void and it shall accomplish and prosper what pleases Him. I'm believing that any word of His that I speak will do the same...somehow, somewhere, to someone.

Yes, we ARE healed...inside and out...whether it shows or not. Whether we live or die. Whether others agree or not. We ARE healed by the blood of Christ. We WERE healed when He died on the cross. When we receive that, we ARE healed. When we receive Christ, we ARE healed. Please be healed. I think just as God spoke of Zion, Israel, Jerusalem, we can replace them with our own names:

Jeremiah 30:17 - "For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the LORD, "Because they called you an outcast saying: 'This is Zion [Laurie]; no one seeks her."'

Delivered

Psalm 18:19b - He delivered me because He delighted in me.

I heard someone say one time "He found God." That's not how it happens. He finds us...and we have the choice to respond or not. Ephesians 1:4 - ...just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love...

God delighted in me. He delivered me from my enemy, the devil. And He did it because He delighted in me.

I was somewhat involved in the occult before I knew Christ. I'd always read my horoscope although deep in my spirit I believed it was hokey--too general, could apply to anyone--so I quite often read it at the end of the day to see if my day panned out like it proposed it would. 

Then I became a fan of Shirley MacLaine and her ideas that we could be God and all the weird ideas about astral projection. Ugh. I dread the thought. I was searching for something spiritual but didn't realize I was headed in the wrong direction. 

At 40 I quit my job and took an extended bike trip in Europe on my bicycle. I wanted to find myself. Experience after experience showed me long after the fact that I was being protected somehow.

All I can say is I am so grateful for the turnaround in my life. I know now where I can find my strength, know my future in Christ and where true wisdom resides. Not in tarot cards, numerology, crystals or the lines on the palms of my hands...even in spirit guides. All this frustrated me because nothing seemed to work. Hmmmm, I wonder why? My strength is in the Lord. He calls divination an abomination...sin...period. I'm so thankful to God for freeing me from all that and allowing me to set my feet upon His rock of salvation.

When I came to know the Lord, came into relationship with Him and contemplated all these things, I realized I had been protected...by a God who delighted in me. I believe He kept me safe because He knew one day would come when I could no longer look to these things for my future, but would choose to allow Him to lead me down the right path...God's shining path (Job 41:32). 

I confessed those sins. I prayed against further involvement. I feel so stupid at times for the mistakes I made. But God forgives so wonderfully. I didn't know any better back then. I was only doing what so many others do.

He has plans for me. I sometimes don't think I'm realizing them yet but He will bring forth these plans when the time is right. At Bible study this morning we talked about God's shining path. We talked about the plans He has for all of us who choose to follow Him down that path. He lights the way. And it was said that even if we do not fully know what His plans are for our lives, if we are following Him, every day is part of that plan and it starts with the mundane things like doing laundry or cleaning the house. You start with the small things and He will enlarge your territory.

God can deliver anyone from anything...if they want it bad enough. And that anything is your enemy, the thing the devil would want to keep you in bondage with. Thank God He delights in all people and wants to see all delivered. Is there something that you need to let go of? Fear, anxiety, unforgiveness, addiction? Let God deliver you because He delights in you, too.

Psalm 18:46 - The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.