Something New from Something Old
I recently learned something new from two Bible stories that I’ve always taken for granted. It just goes to show that there will always be something to learn from the Scriptures no matter how well we think we know them.
An Evangelist?
Jesus and His disciples jumped in the boat of the Sea of Galilee and sailed clear to the other side. When they arrived, a naked demonized man rushed from the cemetery to fall at Jesus feet.
“What are you doing here, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please don’t torment me.”
The story goes that Jesus commanded the demons to leave the man. They went into the herd of pigs and killed them. I’ve always wondered where the demons went after that.
In fear, the townspeople asked Jesus to go away and leave them.
But before He did, when the man asked if he could go with Jesus, he was denied. Jesus asked him to go to his family and tell everyone what God had done for him.
The next time Jesus came to the same place, a crowd met him, eager to hear what He had to say to them. Could it be that Jesus had sailed the sea just for the tormented man that previous day? That Jesus had a task for that particular man to do? Could the crowd be the fruit from the calling of evangelist that Jesus had given the man from the tombs?
A Pastor?
The story of Zacchaeus is better known. Sunday School songs and dances have sprung up around his tale. Zacchaeus was a shunned tax collector. Because he was short, he climbed a tree one day when Jesus came to town so he could see the Teacher.
Jesus stopped under the tree and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house for dinner. As a result, Zacchaeus’ heart was changed. He gave back the wealth he’d stolen and Jesus proclaimed that salvation had come to the house that day.
I read later that Zacchaeus became a prominent Christian leader in Caesarea, and a pastor. I would imagine that he was very kind, loving and gently drew people to the Savior in his time. He shared the mercy he’d been shown.
Our Calling
It seems the ground shifts underneath us before God can call us.
We are living in times of constant, ever chaotic change. It is really hard to find that place to stand firm because as soon as we take a stand, the culture changes again. It’s sort of like breathing in life giving oxygen and breathing out poisonous carbon dioxide.
Confusion seems to be the topic of the daily news. What are we to do next?
But God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has warned us in the Bible that these strange times would come.
He calls His people. He prepares His people. He equips His people.
The Spirit of God will bring all the words, ideas and knowledge when the time comes that it is needed. So, keep your eyes on Jesus. Let His words permeate your soul. He promises to provide for kingdom tasks to be done. When we feel less than, He will fill us when we need Him to do so.
Don’t give up. Keep going. Someone needs to know what you have to share right now.
Great message, Linda Jo! I always feel so refreshed and ready to tackle the next obstacle after reading your posts. Thanks!
Thank you, Mary. It’s lovely to read this. Bless you.