Don't leave

Friends,

Many of us are familiar with the story of the demon-possessed man who lived among the graves of the Gadarene countryside. Jesus commanded a multitude of demons ... known collectively as Legion ... to enter into a nearby herd of pigs, which then immediately drowned themselves in the sea. The reaction of the people is telling:

Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.
Mark 5:17 [NKJV]

The sight of 2,000 pigs hurtling down a steep hill and into the sea must have been shocking. But here was one of their own, a man who had been tormented for years ... to the point that he tried to tear himself apart ... sitting peacefully and filled with joy. No longer would he terrorize passers-by. No more would scream in agony and rage. No longer would he be forced to live among the dead, far away from his mother, father, wife and children. He was restored to life!

One sees all of this happen and must make a choice:
Rejoice, for the man one who was dead is again alive.
or ...
Worry about what other animals might end up swimming with the fishes.

The Gadarenes decided that their livelihoods were more important than a man's life. And therefore told the Messiah... the One who would be their eternal salvation... to get out.

Sisters and brothers, when Christ moves in your life, there will be times when it seems as though something has been lost. But be assured that what is gained by this move is far, far more valuable. The Lord brings us that which is eternal. Giving up that which will not last is no price to pay for such a possession. When it happens, do not plead with Jesus to leave you alone. Instead, understand what is really happening and rejoice.

Be encouraged, Jose