Wednesday Devo

Read Luke 8:40-48. In reflection of the last story - I think its really cool how Jesus went across the lake - away from the crowds to impact one demon possessed guy. He's God - he knew before he went to the Gerasenes what would happen but one guy's freedom was worth the trip.

Today Jesus is walking in his rock star fame again. The crowds are "crushing" him. I love how Jesus keeps his focus right - If I were this popular it would surely go to my head! 

The word "expecting" in verse 40 sticks out. They were expecting Jesus - expecting him to do something amazing - but unfortunately mostly for their entertainment. The crowds are always fickle. People who flock to the newest latest thing - a problem that saturates our culture of high-tech invention and innovations. What a difference it would have made if they had the right expectations about Jesus - that he came to teach us how to die with him. As Paul says in Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

So many of us struggle with the fear of what others think and we come to Jesus like this woman - timidly. The passage should lay to rest our fears. Notice Jesus' tenderness, "Daughter your faith has healed you. God in peace." Jesus will soon say, "come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened - I'll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you for I am gentle and humble of heart." His actions and words in Luke 8 prove his invitation is true in Matthew 11:28!

questions

1) what expectations do you have of Jesus? really brew on this - don't settle for surface answers.

What do you want him to do for you, what have you been taught being a Christian is?

2) Are you afraid to bring anything to Jesus - confessing a sin, sharing a "small concern"? Or does your pride keep you from admitting you truly need him?

3) How has the fear of what others might say or think kept you from following Jesus wholeheartedly?

prayer

Lord we know you are gentle and humble of heart. We know we get to come "learn" from you and you are so patient with us. I pray we would have proper expectations of you. Not simply that you would give us stuff but that you would transform us to be cities on hills that cannot be hidden - salt of the earth that adds flavor to everything around us!