Clothesline 256 "The light is Jesus"

Living with Jesus was filled with surprises. On any given day Jesus would do something remarkable, and I’m sure the disciples didn’t know whether to get excited for each coming day, or to be concerned about any ramifications that might occur. He fed thousands of people with one simple boxed lunch. He cured sick people. He walked on water. And he even took the time to sit with children and enjoy their antics.

Another strange event happened when Jesus cured a man possessed by a demon in Gentile country. That might not sound like anything special to us, but at that time it was not acceptable for a Jew to set foot in Gentile territory. In this amazing story, Jesus not only cured this demon-possessed man in Gentile country, but it seems that Jesus didn’t just come upon this man by accident; Jesus deliberately sought him out! How do we know that? According to Luke’s Gospel, Jesus got into a boat, crossed into Gentile country, cured the demon-possessed man, got back in the boat, and returned to his own country! Doesn’t that sound as if Jesus’ only purpose for the trip was to find this particular man? It sure does to me! Think about it: Jesus believed that there was something redeemable in this man, so he went to find him. He healed him and sent him on his way to tell everyone what God had done for him. Simple as that.

As amazing as this miracle was for that horrible man, do you realize what that says to us? God is out to get back what is his! Let me say that again: God is always out to get back what is his! But, you might say, we don’t believe in demons today! Or do we?

It’s harder not to believe in them when we see all the evil in the world: fighting between nations, weapons of destruction, shootings and hatred between countries and peoples. And then there are the personal “demons”, at least in the metaphorical sense, like depression, anger, loneliness, addiction. Perhaps you could add your own to the list. Some of these demons are in an all-out battle against you. But in the light of hell’s assault on the world—and on YOU—we have “a light” that never fades, never changes, can never be extinguished. That light is Jesus.

Your situation may seem like hell. You may think there is no way out. But that’s what the devil wants you to think. The truth is Jesus is there for you, in any and every situation. He sees that there is always hope, that you are his child, and that healing and wholeness are only a prayer away. When the darkness seems to overcome you, remember the Light that is forever present. Just ask for it…