9-29-2017

Good Morning All,

            Mark 5:19; “And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

     Let’s stretch our imagination a little bit.  Imagine that you went to your mailbox and in it you found a letter from your favorite restaurant has awarded you first prize in their anniversary give away.  You have won $50,000 worth of meals at this restaurant; what would you do?  I would probably start by trying to get my wife and kids and grandkids together for a meal.  Then I would try to get my dad and step-mom and my wife’s mom and my sisters and my wife’s sister and their families together.  I don’t remember the last time that all my nieces and nephews were all together.  That would be a fun meal.

     Then I would get some of our closest friends and go out for a good meal.  Then we would probably try to get hold of those people who we used to spend a lot of time with but through the years have lost touch with them.  It would be great to reconnect with them and find out what has been happening in their life. 

    We know some people who have had a tough year or two.  They have had health setbacks and some have had job setbacks and a couple of others have lost their spouses.  They could use a pickup and this could be fun.  It would be a chance to connect with them as meal partners.

    Who would you pick?  How would you use this prize?  Would you try to keep it all for yourself?  That would be difficult and even your favorite restaurant would get old after a while.  I think a prize this grand requires sharing; it would lose its enjoyment.  You would always have it but sharing it, especially with family and friends makes it even better.

    This is what Jesus wants us to do.  He wants us to share our good fortune.  He wants us to share the blessings that he has bestowed on us, especially the good news of salvation which we have because of his own death and resurrection.  This is something that we should be bursting with joy and excitement to do. This is the greatest news that you and I have ever received.  It is news to be shared.

    This is why Jesus refused to let the man follow him but rather instructed him to go home and tell your friends.  The spread of the Gospel is an oral event.  It is an event that, truly should be, an intimate sharing among family and friends.  It is an experience that should be done with joy and comfort.  It is best when done in a setting where you have a relationship with the other person and best occurs in a family friendly setting, like a meal together. 

Gracious Lord, we thank you for the gift of life we receive from you through your sacrifice on the cross.  Lead us to joyfully share this news with those around us.  Lead us to bring the good news of salvation to all.  Lead us to be healers in this world.  In the precious name of Jesus our Risen Lord we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret