We live in very troubling times. I am sure many don’t remember a time like the days in which we now live. Yes, there have been times in the past where there was uncertainty, but not like we live in today. There seem to be problems, issues that can’t be resolved both nationwide and internationally. People are discouraged over loss of income, loss of homes, family issues and other concerns.
Despite all that is going on, I am encouraged by Chapter eight in Luke’s Gospel 8:26-39. Here we find a message from Jesus.
Jesus traveled across the sea of Galilee in a storm to deliver a man from demons. I can imagine how this man must have looked. The man had no clothes on, unshaven and his hair was unkempt.
Most people would have rushed on by him, but Jesus stopped and asked him his name. One of the quickest ways to show your concern for someone is to ask their name.
There are those in the world who feel forgotten, disorganized, whereby, friends and family show no interest in one’s well-being as they once did.
The good news is Jesus cares. He cares about all of us. When Jesus is in our lives, Satan starts begging. In the Gospel we will read on Sunday, the man with unclean spirits had been bound for many years. Jesus freed him and gave him a plan for his life. It wasn’t the plan the man wanted. He wanted to travel with Jesus. Jesus said I have a better plan. I want you to stay right here and tell these folks what I’ve done for you. It was a plan that not only brought glory to Jesus, but I’m sure brought fulfillment to the man.
The courage Jesus showed was not just the courage of resistance, it was the courage of endurance. All of us may be called upon to show the courage of resistance, taking definitive, costly action, to stand up for justice, mercy, truth and love. The easiest way for evil to win is through the slow erosion of commitment and courage to stand against the current.
Jesus has a wonderful plan for all our lives, even now in these troubling times, but we must always let him guide us and surrender to His plan, by showing love to our neighbor, being merciful and going to him in prayer. The Holy Spirit is with us and as believers in Jesus, we are on the winning side.
