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ROOM ACROSS THE LAKE Luke 8:26-39 We’ve come down from the roof and traveled across the lake to see another of Jesus’ healings. Like the previous man, this man had been afflicted for a long time also, although not with physical illness. He was possessed by a legion of demons that tried to harm him and others around him. When Jesus healed him, he was so thankful that he begged to go with Him. Wow! That is really giving room to the Son of God! This man wants to give his whole life. He is willing to leave everything behind to be a disciple of the man he now worships. This seems to be a perfect example of what He is calling all of us to do. So, why does Jesus say "no"? Jesus paid the ultimate price for us, and He desires the same in return. It seems like this man is giving every place (or room) in his life to follow, but he is actually leaving the door closed on the biggest part—his past. It is often so easy to follow God when we are steeped in His presence and surrounded by His people. We can tell our “church friends” about all of the great things that God is doing for us, but how easy is it to speak of Him in the presence of family, friends, or co-workers? How much more “room” do we have to give before we can speak boldly of Him in front of those who knew us “before”? Can you imagine how much more power and grace it will take for this formerly demon possessed man to go back and preach to the very people who had seen him running naked, breaking chains, and being out of his mind? Can you hear the comments? “Sure, you talk about how I should change, but I remember what you were.” “I wouldn’t trust him, this is just another way he has fallen off the deep end.” It would have been much easier to leave all those looks and comments behind and joyfully follow Jesus. But, Jesus asked for more. What about those who loved him? He must have had someone on his side. I know a woman, who when she was young, was begged by her parents to change her wild ways. When she found Christ, she ran to her parents and expected them to rejoice with her over the change in her life. Instead they rejected her. They wanted her to change, but they wanted it their way. It says in Luke that when the people saw the man dressed and in his right mind, they were afraid. Perhaps some of these had cared for him; maybe they had tried everything in their power to help him, but this was something out of their power. This was so miraculous that it demanded a reaction. It demanded something they were not yet ready to give. The easiest way to get rid of the decision was to ask Jesus to leave, but what were they going to do about the daily reminder Jesus left behind? What were they going to do with this new life lived in front of them everyday? Were they going to give God room in their own hearts? Gracious Lord, Please give us grace to open that door and live for you, even in front of those who knew us when we were in chains. ~ Karen Simcik
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