“When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8.34-39
I know I’ve written about it before, but when we experience something phenomenal, we can’t help but talk about it. For example, I bought this used Tesla this summer! It’s a few years old, a Model Y, and it is amazing. I love technology anyway, so this Tesla is right up my alley. I could go on and on about the Tesla and how amazing it is—and that’s the point. When you have something amazing or experience something great, you can’t help but talk about it. (And that’s just a silly car!)
How much more when God moves in your life? The man who was demon-possessed was set free! Many demons were cast out of him and sent into pigs. He was delivered! The onlookers were shocked and afraid, but the man was changed from the inside out. As Jesus was leaving, this man begged to remain with the Lord, but Jesus said, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So that’s exactly what he did—he told everyone that Jesus had saved him.
When God enters our lives, when we are surprised by His grace, love, and forgiveness, we cannot help but talk about it. We sing about it, share about it, and write about it. When telling our testimonies, it comes out because it is the center of our story. We can’t help but talk about what we have experienced—even as we battle sin and the temptations the devil sends our way, we proclaim God’s goodness and power in our lives.
The man who once lived in darkness became an instant evangelist for the Gospel, spreading the word of hope and life through Jesus. Although he desperately wanted to stay with Jesus, he was committed to remaining where he was so that others might know the grace of God. This is what Jesus does—He brings us from darkness into light. He then sends us forth to proclaim His goodness to the world.
How has Jesus impacted your life? Have you experienced His salvation by grace through faith? If so, radical transformations can and should occur. It happened to this demon-possessed man, and it can happen for you.
Trust in Christ today. Pray to Him, invite Him in, allow Him to be your hope, your life, and your peace.
“O Lord God, You are good. As life goes by and I walk with You daily, I find my heart more and more hopeful. I find my trust secure in Your love. Come now, Holy Spirit, renew my soul. Strengthen my faith so I might be of use to You and help build Your Kingdom. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name, for You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.