Jesus said: “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21).
Monday, December 30, 2024
The Message that We Have Heard of Him
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (I Jn. 1:5-7).
Always Delivered unto Death for Jesus’ sake
“For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (II Cor. 4:11).
ADAM AND JESUS
ADAM AND JESUS
By Given O. Blakely
“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit . . . The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” (1 Cor 15:45,47)
Humanity is summarized in two individuals; one from earth, and One from heaven. The first man, Adam, was “made a living soul.” The Second Man, Jesus, was “made a quickening spirit.” That is, Adam was caused to live, but Jesus causes to live. Life was brought to Adam, but life is brought by Jesus. Life was conferred upon Adam, but Jesus confers life. Now that Jesus has been exalted and enthroned, the only life that God recognizes is the life that has been conferred, or given, by Jesus Christ.
Man, is a tripartite (composed of three parts) being. In order of their priority, these parts are identified as “spirit,” “soul,” and “body.” Two thirds of these parts are unseen – the “spirit” and the “soul.” Only the quickening and powerful word of God is able to distinguish experientially between these two parts (Heb 4:12). By “experientially,” I mean the awareness of the distinction becomes known to the individual.
The soulish part of our persons is more related to Adam. Our spirit is related more to Jesus, who comes to quicken and restore it “after the image of Him that created him” (Col 3:10). So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 Cor 15:45, NKJV).
A unique distinction is seen here. Adam’s life was derived; i.e., he “became a living soul.” Jesus, on the other hand, is Himself the Giver of life. He came to restore the “image” that was marred by Adam – to bring humanity into affiliation with “the Father of spirits.” Rather than receiving life, the Lord Jesus gives life – a most unique distinction.
FEDERAL HEADS. Both Adam and Jesus are federal heads of a race; i.e., they are the first of the order over which they preside. Their progeny, or descendants, also bear their likeness. This is the point of Paul’s discourse in Romans 5:12- 21. The “natural” part of us is traceable to Adam. The “spiritual” aspect and nature of those who are born again, is traced back to Jesus.
THE IMPACT OF ADAM’S DISOBEDIENCE. Adam’s sin brought death to our spirits, i.e., it thrust humanity into a state of alienation from God. The effect of the “first man’s” transgression is described in arresting words. “Death” entered the world, and was “passed upon all men” (Rom 5:12). “Through the offense of one,” we are told, “many” are “dead” (Rom 5:15). “Judgment to condemnation” resulted from Adam’s sin (Rom 5:16,18). “Death reigns” because of that single offense (Rom 5:17). “By one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners” (Rom 5:19). Those vivid portrayals are descriptive of spiritual death – a violent interruption of communion with the Living God. Whatever a person may think about perverted views of “original sin” and so-called “total depravity,” we do have to contend with these statements of the Holy Spirit. They are meticulously precise, leaving no room for question or doubt.
THE IMPACT OF JESUS’ OBEDIENCE. As the “Quickening Spirit,” Jesus came to rectify the dilemma brought on by Adam’s sin. How marvelously His ministry is portrayed by the Holy Spirit. “ . . . much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many” (Rom 5:15). “. . . but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification” (Rom 5:16). Here, the expression “many offenses” refers to God laying the iniquities of us all upon the Lord Jesus – He “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (Isa 53:6; 1 Pet 2:24). Justification was the result! “. . . they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17). “. . . by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Rom 5:18). “. . . by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Rom 5:19).
We were quickened,” or made alive by Jesus when we were yet “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1). That quickening, or spiritual resurrection, took place in the inmost part of our person – our spirit.
Salvation begins with the reclamation of your spirit – the essential part of your being. The new birth enables the individual to possess and govern his own soul. Thus Jesus said, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19). Moreover, the body, or the most external part of our being, is controlled from within. Paul called this “keeping under his body” (1 Cor 9:27).
What a marvelous salvation is found in Jesus. It is realized by all of His descendants. They are all made alive and righteous – really righteous.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the capacity of Jesus whose name is “the Everlasting Father.”
THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT AND BURNING
THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT AND BURNING
By Given O. Blakely
“And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy; everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.” (Isaiah 4:3-4, NKJV)
The very thought of being viewed as “holy” by the God of heaven is challenging. The thought of everyone in any given place being “holy” is even more arresting. But that is what our text says. Those who were “left” and “remained” were those who survived the chastening hand of God. From an immediate view, this was fulfilled in those who survived the Babylonian captivity. From the even higher vantage point, it speaks of those who have been made clean through Jesus Christ. By saying they “will be called holy,” the Spirit is emphasizing that is how God Almighty views them. Rather than such holiness being the result of arduous activity on the part of the remnant, it is the consequence of God purging from them everything that defiles. It is a very real holiness.
The text also refers to “everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem” – a sort of Divine catalog in heaven. Frequently reference is made to such people – those who are recognized in the chambers of glory. Malachi referred to “a book of remembrance” kept by the Lord (Mal 3:16). Moses spoke of a book God had written, containing the names of people (Ex 32:32). Ezekiel spoke of “the records of the house of Israel” (Ezek 13:9). Jesus spoke of names being “written in heaven” (Lk 10:20). Paul spoke of fellow workers whose names were “in the book of life” (Phil 4:3). Jesus spoke of “the book of life,” in which the names of His people are recorded (Rev 3:5). John wrote of “the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev 13:8).
Those who are “holy” are those recorded in the books of heaven – those who are recognized and received by God – those who have been “made” holy, or righteous (Rom 5:17). There are no unholy people written in the books, and no holy people who are NOT written in them. Whatever the earth may think of these people is of little consequence. They are known in and defended by heaven.
But there is something that preceded the state of holiness and the acceptance of these persons by God. They could not be received as they were, for sin had defiled them. Their “filth” had to be washed away, and their guilt had to be taken from them. Cleansing first, then holiness and acceptance. Purging first, then purity and a place in heaven!
This cleansing and purging, however, will not come easily. It will require judgment and burning – Divine assessment and consumption. For Israel, this was first accomplished in the Babylonian captivity. For us, there is a twofold sense in which it is accomplished.
First, the “spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning” fell upon Jesus. By Divine appointment, He was made responsible for the sins of the world, being “made to be sin for us” (2 Cor 5:21). As a result, the reproaches, or rebukes, due to the human race fell upon Christ. As it is written, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me” (Rom 15:3; Psa 69:9). Thus Jesus “was made a curse for us” (Gal 3:13), that through it we might be called “holy,” and have our names “written in heaven.” Through His experience of Divine judgment, when sin was “condemned in the flesh” (Rom 8:3), we are washed and purified.
Second, the righteousness that is imputed unto us is joined to personal holiness – the transformation of our persons and character. In this process, the chastening of the Lord comes into play, “for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Heb 12:6). This chastening is the process of refinement, where dross is removed from the saints (Mal 3:3). As it is written, “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried” (Psa 66:10).
This is more than a mere formality. There is conscious betterment that comes from it – an acute awareness that we are being made “worthy” (2 Thess 1:5). How wonderfully this is stated in the twelfth chapter of Hebrews. “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS” (Heb 12:9-10). Let every child of God be quick to submit to the spirit of judgment and burning whereby we are made suitable to be holy, and recognized heaven.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I than you in Jesus name that you have provided a means to cleanse me from defilement.
THE LIFE-GIVING WORD
THE LIFE-GIVING WORD
By Given O. Blakely
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV)
THE WORD IS LIFE-GIVING AND DISCERNING. This is the appointed means through which spiritual life is begotten and maintained, and the Word unveils the real intentions of the heart as well. The right and ability to impart life belongs to God alone. As it is written, “See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me . . . I make alive . . . “ (Deut 32:39). The generation of life is the peculiar prerogative of God. He alone can create it, and through Him life – any life – is sustained! “Life” involves the ability to respond to your environment. That is called “reciprocity.” When a fish responds to the environment of water, it is “alive.” When a worm responds to the environment of soil, it is “alive.” Of particular interest is our response to God – the “living God.” When the individual can respond to God, he is spiritually alive. Only God can cause that to happen! That is why Jesus declared, “I am the Way, the Truth, and THE LIFE.” No man cometh to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
The Word of God is “living and powerful” (Heb 4:12). It is not subject to human laws, whether they are philosophical or procedural. It cannot be systematized, a snare into which men have traditionally fallen. The more you systematize the Word of God, the less powerful it becomes. This is confirmed by the obvious lack of moral and spiritual power that characterizes those seeking to stabilize human conduct by laws and regulations. Throughout church history, there have been major thrusts of activity that have sought to protect God’s Word by classifying and organizing its teachings. Thus Calvin gave us his Institutes, and Campbell his Christian System. Both volumes contain excellent statements, and sound thought. However, they have caused as much difficulty as they have good. Those who have adopted their regimented approach are traditionally divided among themselves, unable to work productively together. This is also the mindset that created catechisms. The reason for this situation is their stilted approach to the living and vibrant Word of God.
You might as well attempt to systematize a young child as Scripture. Your efforts will run aground, because living things cannot be limited to humanly conceived boundaries. A system can rise no higher than the one who contrived it. It is limited by the perception of its creator. God’s Word does not fall into that category. Those who feed upon it find their thoughts becoming more voluminous and focused. They become less confused and more confident. Within them, the vistas of truth are in a state of expansion. They begin seeing more and understanding more. The horizon of their awareness is becoming larger. New things are seen in the most common texts of Scripture. This is because the Word is “living and powerful.”
Because of this condition, the Holy Spirit often says things in Scripture that conflict with human perceptions of the Word. It will mention people who COULD NOT believe because God blinded their eyes (John 12:39-40), or refer to being saved because of God’s foreknowledge (2 Pet 1:2). It will speak of participating in the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4), and being “one spirit” with the Lord Himself (1 Cor 6:17). The Holy Spirit may even say people are called AFTER they have been predestinated (Rom 8:29), or that we have been “chosen in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4). It may trace an immoral situation to Divine cause (Judges 14:3-4; 2 Sam 21:1). Such sayings do not fit into preconceived notions of Scripture. There is no acceptable hermeneutic, or principle of interpretation, that will allow such texts to be received as they are. The Word of God is living, and thus not subject to human restrictions. This does not characterize a sectarian creed, denominational emphasis, or a strictly personal view of Scripture.
THE WORD IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE. The Word of God is directly related to life – spiritual life. “For the word of God is LIVING and active.” God’s Word has Divine qualities because it comes from Him. Note carefully, the Word does not lose those attributes after it has come to us. It is not, for example, living and powerful in the original, but lifeless in the English. Is there any one who would care to affirm Scripture has lost its power? – in any age, or to any people? When Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing; the words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are LIFE” (John 6:63), He powerfully conveyed the consistent impact of His Word – even after it was written. That, of course, is why His words are recorded. They are not merely there for information, or intellectual data. The Holy Spirit is still associated with the Word of God and His Christ! It is His sword (Eph 6:17), through which he cuts and divides within us.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your powerful Word.
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Israel and the Nations of the Gentiles
“When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel” (Deut. 32:8).
The Terrors of Hell
The Terrors of Hell
Surely, my friend, you don't want to know firsthand about the terrors of hell, and the screams of the tormented! How can you be made to. realize how terrible it will be there, forever and ever suffering, gnawing your tongue because of pain, with the utter hopelessness of ever getting out?
Friend, if you have loved ones in the flames of torment right now, no doubt they are hoping that you won't have to come there. They are hoping that you will open your eyes and see how blind you have been, and that you should take no. chances where hell is concerned. Stop listening to the Devil! If he can get you to put off salvation one day at a time, he has won your soul.
If you are not a Christian, why not turn to. Jesus today? To have your sins forgiven, you must: Believe in and confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:36-37; Rom. 10:9-10), repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 22:16). If you are already a Christian, you should live like one. If and when you sin, you need to repent and confess your sin to God, and He will forgive you (I Jn. 1:8-2:2).
If you do these things, you should never know firsthand the
terrors of hell.
--Lowell Green, Rockwood TN
Sins, Once Scarlet, Now White as Snow
Sins, Once Scarlet, Now White as Snow
By Albert G. Stoner, Jr.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa. 1:18).
The words of the Prophet are foreshadowing the glorious nature of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. In the mind of the Holy One sin is glaringly scarlet and conspicuously crimson by its very nature. Sin is a "very grievous" (Gen. 18:20) matter before the living God and it continually testifies against those who commit it (cf. Jer. 14:7). Sin is "the transgression of the law" (I Jn. 3:4). Sin is as a "thick cloud" (Isa. 44:22), separating God and men, and alienating men from the life of God (cf. Eph. 4:18). "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). "He that committeth sin is of the Devil" (I Jn. 3:8). And in the time of the New Covenant the greatest sin is not believing on Christ (Jn. 16:9), the One whom God exclusively (cf. Acts 4:12) has appointed and "set forth" (Rom. 3:25) "to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9:26).
From God's perspective sin is, and has always been, "scarlet" and "crimson." Its grievously reprehensible nature continually shouts out brazenly into His face. But the Prophet Isaiah is speaking here of a glorious time when the "scarlet" and the "crimson" nature of sin would be changed into pure "whiteness" and "wool." That is to say, in the purpose of God a particular death would occur that would gloriously effect a removal of sin from the mind of God so that He sees them no more, and an effectual cleansing from sin for the guilty parties, so that they are no longer guilty. And, bless God, that time has come. We are now living in the day of salvation, in the day of an accomplished redemption. The Lamb of God has come and has taken away the sins of the world (cf. Jn. 1:29). He has "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9:26). "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (I Pet. 3:18). "God hath set forth (Christ) to be a propitiation (a covering for sin) through faith in His blood" (Rom. 3:25). The Man Christ Jesus is, Himself, in the present time the covering for sin (cf. I Jn. 2:1-2). He is "the Hiding Place" (Isa. 32:2) from the wrath of God for all those who trust in Him and take hold of His salvation.
From God's perspective, sin has been completely atoned for by His only begotten Son. So far as the pardoned individuals are concerned (those in Christ Jesus), what was once scarlet (indelibly associated with their persons) is now white, and what was once crimson is now as wool because of the unimaginably enormous payment for sin which has been made by the Lord Jesus. As it is written, "by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous" (Rom. 5:19).
But the believer in Christ must labor to hold fast this perspective. As the Apostle declared: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4:11; cf. v. 3). Earnest energy must be put forth in fighting the good fight of faith, and laying hold on eternal life (cf. I Tim. 6:12). This is a perspective that belongs to believing men and women; it is theirs, it is substantive; Christ Jesus purchased it for them. Nevertheless they must continually put forth effort to possess it for themselves. Let us who have trusted in Christ seek to glorify God by our faith in an accomplished salvation.
The Banner of Truth Fall 2024 Edition
The Banner of Truth Fall 2024 Edition
Edited by Albert G. Stoner, Jr.
Feature Articles:
The Confidence of Identity (Pg. One)
The Glory of the Church (Pg. Six)
Today's Need for Moral Courage (Pg. Eight)
Gathering Fruit unto Life Eternal (Pg. Ten)
Things that Faith Does (Pg. Twelve)
The Way to Righteousness (Pg. Thirteen)
God's Blessings unto Preparation for Glory (Pg. Fourteen)
The Sanctification in Christ (Pg. Sixteen)
The Reconciliation Was of Man (Pg. Eighteen)
The Severe Trying of Faith (Pg. Twenty)
The Lamb's Book of Life (Pg. Twenty Six)
Strength in the Lord (Pg. Thirty Two)
The Hope of the Gospel
The Hope of the Gospel
From the southern end of Africa extends that long cape which for many ages was considered to be a fatal barrier to all navigators. Whoever was caught in its swirling waters went down to a watery grave. It was called the Cape of Storms. But finally a bold explorer sailed around it and opened for Europe and the world a new route to the East Indies. And he changed the name of it to the Cape of Good Hope.
And, so also there jutted out into the sea of life the black Cape of Death, and all who sailed beyond it seemed to be forever gone. But the Lord Jesus sailed through this dark and awful Cape and emerged "alive forevermore" on the other side (Rev. 1:18). He thus changed it into the Cape of Good Hope for the saints--"the hope of the gospel" (Col. 1:23). From beyond death comes His triumphant shout, "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore!" And "because I live, ye shall live also," is His certain assurance to us who have fled to Him for salvation (Jn. 14:19).
--From the April 1981 issue of The Banner of Truth
The Inconvenient Christ
The Inconvenient Christ
By Adah Hutchcraft (Daughter of Given O. Blakely)
The Inconvenient Christ (Mark 5:1-20)
Christ’s grace changes the believing, yet it does not necessarily produce outcomes valued by all who profess peace with him. When worldly allegiances are maintained in the heart, the perception of Christ is warped to accommodate them. Such contortions do not appear far from the truth when wrapped in terms of love and acceptance. Subtly emerges the portrayal of a merciful teacher of a non-judgmental gospel. Such a christ meets us where we are and does not impose fundamental change. This soft savior is a gentleman who makes few (if any) demands on our lives. He conveniently respects the restricted territories one designates as impassable. Indeed, all seems manageable to the flesh until the true Savior arrives, bringing the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus was often thronged by eager multitudes seeking respite and healing from serious ailments and spiritual oppression. On one such occasion, Jesus sends the multitudes away and departs by ship to the country of the Gadarenes, a town east of the Jordan. It was occupied predominantly by gentiles, and farming swine was a known trade among them. For these reasons, Gadara was an unlikely place for a Jewish Messiah to visit. No one was expecting him, so it would seem. Perhaps this is one reason Jesus is not met with crowds upon his arrival. He is, however, promptly met by a local man who could not ignore Jesus’ holy presence in his territory.
This man did not appear to be a tradesman, scholar, or a soldier, and his name is unmentioned. Yet, he is well known in Gadara for a most appalling and frightening condition. Day and night his anguished screams are heard resonating amidst the tombs where he tortures himself by cutting. He is a wild man, and although his countryman have attempted to bind him with chains, he breaks their bonds into bits. One can neither socialize with him nor reason with him. No band of men can restrain his violent behaviors. Incantations, medication, nor ligatures can begin relieve his pain or prevent his self-harm. He is a prisoner in his own body, oppressed by an unclean spirit. The host is mercilessly abused, unchallenged. Yet when Jesus steps foot on Gadara’s shore, the oppressor knows a greater authority has arrived.
God incarnate comes to an unprepared Gadara. With no place to hide, the unclean spirit sends its host running to Jesus, casting him at his feet. This is not a demonstration of willing adoration, but the mandatory response for hopeless rebelliousness. Jesus’ authority marks Satan’s condemnation, and a set time has been appointed for his confinement and judgment (Revelation 20:10). The unclean spirit pleads for more time, not to repent, but to express itself. Jesus does not receive the tainted worship, and commands the unclean spirit to come out of the man. This Jesus, the true Jesus, does not come to passively observe his creation, but to “heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and... to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). This One who created the world demands the name of the pernicious perpetrator. “Legion,” it replies.
Legion must have had a leading spokesman, for at one point it speaks in the first person and at another time in the third person. The name, however, represents them all. One spirit had made room for another and another. The nature of Satan’s oppression belies the intent of his temptations. One sin makes room for another as it gains stronger hold. We do not know how this man came into such a state because that is not the Spirit’s focus. Standing before the vexed is one greater than his vexor or vexation. Jesus comes to bind up the strong man and plunder his house, far from a passive role (Mark 3:27). Preparing for eviction, Legion pleads for another holding place. It begs to be sent into into a herd of swine feeding near the mountains.
The same personalities which inhabited one man now enter two thousand swine and send them into madness. Unclean enters unclean, and the herd immediately leaves grazing in the field, violently stampeding down the steep ledge, and drowning in the waters below. The capacity of the human spirit is expansive, for it is created as a spiritual habitation. We were created to be filled with the fullness of God, and Jesus takes back what is rightfully his by liberating the demoniac (Ephesians 3:19). What had once torn this man from the inside out was now removed by the authority of holiness. The captive is delivered from his oppressor, his torment, and his stolen years of shame.
What an emancipation, not just for one man, but for a whole city. No more would his tortured cries echo from the graveyard where people wished to mourn their loved ones in peace. All would be freed from the sights and sounds of his nakedness and agony, his terrible strength no longer threatening. Yet it was not the cessation of screams which captured the attention of the town. In fact, the only people who seemed to notice were those who fed the swine which had since plummeted to their death. The herdsman announced to their fellow countrymen what they perceived to be a disturbing occurrence.
The response to this man’s freedom was fear. The Gadarenes made their living on animals that were ritually unclean according to Jewish Law, and it was a stable source of income until Jesus the Jew arrived. Inconveniences such as a man’s demon-possed state had become normalized in Gadara, for he had been possessed a long time (Luke 8:27). At least he did not pose any threat to their livelihoods, because his devils had driven him into the wilderness (Luke 8:29). Suddenly the herdsmen are thrown into disarray. The countrymen unite to investigate their tragic loss. Upon finding Jesus, the formerly possessed is observed sitting clothed and in his right mind. The witnesses are struck by such amazement that they are alarmed.
Not everyone is glad when they witness the effects of Christ’s authority. His power over what we cannot control conforms his authority over us, too. He brings change whether or not we like it or ask for it, and at times regardless of our preparedness. In this case, one man’s release was considered by others to be a personal loss. One man was delivered from his uncleanness while others were clinging to theirs. If our landscape was so drastically changed with the casting out of one man's demons, what if this Jesus performs more exorcisms among us? What could such superior power do? When Jesus delivers people from sin, it often poses threat to the cherished and convenient sins of those around them. As the Holy transforms souls, accommodated transgressions are brought to light and given no place to openly flourish. The flesh considers what it has to lose of higher value than what Jesus gives. The Gadarenes were of this mind and thus pleaded with Jesus to leave. Love and peace on human terms is acceptable, but impositions on livelihoods and lifestyles are unwelcomed by unrepentant hearts, even when it is the outcome of mercy. Jesus is not a convenient Christ, but therein lies his mercy. He is not willing that any should perish, which assuredly would be our end apart from his gracious imposition. Instead, at great cost to himself, he affords eternal life to all who believe on him.
Christ places limits on unrepentant influences, by gives freedom to hearts which fellowship in the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Jesus is not a gentleman, and He will unapologetically prove the foolishness of displaced worship and idolatrous reliance. He is not about making the world a better place for us, but making us a holy place for himself. The Gadarenes rejected Divinity’s presence because Jesus’ authority threatened them and their priorities. Meanwhile, the man who sat clothed and in his right mind requested to go with Jesus from Gadara. He wanted to be with this one who delivered him.
Since the Gadarenes desired the Savior to leave, it seemed reasonable for all of his followers to go with him, including his new convert. A fresh start in a new town would be preferable, and certainly more comfortable given his recent past. Proximity to Jesus could reassure the disciple that he would not become demonically possessed again, and wherever they went other Christ-followers would surely be nearby. Yet the Savior has a different calling for him. Jesus tells this delivered one to stay and “tell his friends the great things the Lord had done for him, how he had compassion on him.” He had friends-- acquaintances established prior to his possession. Now he will follow Jesus by going to those friends. The man’s life had taken a frightening turn in the direction of shame, isolation and destruction. His friends likely grieved his long season of torment. Now without having sought it, he knew the power and mercy of God like never before, and stood as a living testimony to who Jesus was: the Son of God. Jesus reached into this man’s life and retrieved him from Satan’s clutches, leaving neither bruise nor scar upon him. It was power manifested in anticipation of an even greater deliverance to come, “when he...disarmed the rulers and authorities, [making] a public spectacle of them, having triumphed over them through the cross” (Colossians 2:15). This delivered one’s testimony would prepare souls to receive the risen Lord after he laid down his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
Welcomed or not, the Savior’s presence will not be convenient for the flesh. He will ultimately remove what unholy even if it is unwillingly relinquished, and he will send us where we do not anticipate going, though not without his power. The gift of salvation and came at a high price to himself, and we too must humble ourselves to receive our Lord. Once infamously renown for his madness, it was not convenient for the former demoniac to remain in Gadara, but it was his calling. Like all disciples of Christ, he had to forsake all to follow Jesus, a sacrifice rewarded with greater joy than sorrow (Luke 14:33). So while Jesus calls us to die to sin and self, it is a death which liberates us from the slavery of sin (Romans 6:6). The life we lose makes place for that eternal life which can never die, and the desires of which will be satisfied without exception (Matthew 16:25; John 11:25-26; Ps 37:4).
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