1Q: Following Jesus for RealSample

The man in today’s story had plenty to be excited about. It absolutely makes sense that he would want to tell everyone what Jesus did for him, but there were just as many reasons for him to keep quiet. After all, he had lived like a savage animal for a long time and given the people who lived nearby plenty to talk about. It took a lot of courage for him just to go back and try to live a normal life among those people, but it took much more for him to speak into their lives with authority, claiming to have knowledge they didn’t have. 

Even so, the man put aside insecurities and fear and told the people what they needed to know about Jesus, for Jesus’ sake and theirs. Fortunately, they responded well. For others in the New Testament, it didn’t go so well. Some were mocked. Others were hurt. Still others were killed for their faith in Jesus and/or for having the audacity to preach the truth of the Gospel. 

If you speak the truth of the Gospel to others, there’s no guarantee they will receive it well. If/when they don’t, don’t take it personally. In most cases, they are resisting God, not you. Rest in the knowledge that God sees what you are doing and is pleased. When you get to Heaven, you will be welcomed warmly, no matter what kind of welcome you receive on earth for doing what God has called you to do. 

Thank God for the courage to speak the truth of the Gospel in spite of your past and without fear of people and their reactions.