There are no small places with God.
The story is told of a man who was demon possessed. Jesus healed him. The man was so thankful for what Jesus had done for him, that he wanted to go with him to his next destination. But instead Jesus instructed him to return to his hometown and tell them what had happened.
Mark 5:18 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him. But Jesus would not allow him. “Go home to your own people,” He said, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you.” So, the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.
The healed man wanted to stay close to Jesus. He wanted to go to the next place on Jesus’ schedule. He wasn’t asking for much, just a ride in the boat with the one who had healed him. Maybe he wanted to express his thanks, give a testimony at the next stop or just observe Jesus. But friends, this was not what was best for the kingdom of God. Jesus had other plans.
Quickly, Jesus told the man that the best thing he could do would be to turn back to his hometown and tell his own people how much the Lord had done. Jesus wanted him to talk about God’s mercy and miracles. So, instead of doing what the healed man thought was best, he trusted what Jesus said and he magnified the Lord.
Everyone was amazed. Everyone.
I love this story because if there is anything in life that should amaze people it should be the mercy and miracles of God. We live in a society where the things that people find shock and awe in are meaningless. We are impressed by talent and sports and knowledge and conspiracies, but when was the last time we were impressed—amazed—by the mercy of God?
We can never make too big of a deal about God and what he has done for us. There are not enough words to be written that could begin to describe his attributes. In a world where we can brag on everything else, let’s talk about the goodness of God. Let’s start at home and broadcast to our families and our city how merciful God has been toward us. Let everyone be amazed. Not because of us. But because of how much Jesus has done for us!
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