Warriors Arise: April 20, 2024
Matthew 8:34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.
I am wondering why Matthew said, "And behold"? It definitely grabs your attention. Talk about the excitement to see all these people coming from the town. I bet every disciple was getting excited. Maybe they even wondered if this would be a three day revival. But what a twist ending!
Instead of a three day revival they were asked to leave. Actually, that isn't correct either. They were begged to leave!
Matthew doesn't even tell us if Jesus got to preach. The people were not bringing out their lame, blind or sick. They weren't bring their praises either. They came out to verify what the herdsman had said. They found ti to be truth and what? Why did they Jesus to leave? Does the surprise you?
Such a twist ending. They reached the shore and the demon possessed me came running toward Him. They identified Jesus. They thought He was there to torment them. They asked to go to the swine. Then the herdsmen tell the whole city. They come out to see Jesus. They see Him and beg Him to leave. Why does that seem odd?
In so many other places people were looking for Him, chasing Him down, touching HIs robe so they could be healed. Many went days without food just to listen to Him teach. The demon-possessed me get fully delivered. They are in their right mind and fully clothes. The city people verify the miracle and beg Jesus to leave.
Do we do that? When Jesus shows up and demonstrates His love through a miraculous act, do you ask Him to leave? How do you respond?
Think of the las miracle you had. Did you verify the miracle and dismiss God? Did you acknowledge what He did? Did you ask for more or for Him to teach you something you did not know? How did you respond. Would people read your experience with Jesus and think, "Wow! I totally didn't see that coming. Twist ending."
My Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Yes, Father, Your will be done. Let freedom ring in my life and in those I encounter. I pray I would listen to the testimony of what you have done. I pray I would go not to verify but to celebrate Your goodness and mercy shown to the people You have touched. I will honor You. I will listen to You. I will worship what You have done in another's life in Jesus' Name, amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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