Go Home and Tell
“Return to your own house, and tell.” That is the command Jesus Christ has for every new believer. Return and tell what? For the answer to that question, you must read the account in Luke 8:22-39. There you find the record of Jesus’ encounter with a man possessed by demons.
He lived in a cemetery among the tombstones; and he wore no clothing at all. Because the spirits that had control of him were violent, he was chained, shackled and guarded continuously. Still, his great strength allowed him to break free and run off into the wilderness. The Bible records that he was called “Legion” because many demons were in him. A legion of soldiers was about 2,000. It is safe to say the man had issues. Yet, after a single confrontation with the Lord his life was changed. The demons all left him, he put on clothes, and began a new life with Christ. A new life had begun, not just the same old life with religion added. Verse 35 says that he was now “in his right mind.” That’s what happens when Jesus touches a life—the person gains the capacity to think clearly without the confusion of this sin-cursed world. What grips your life? What inroads has the devil made into your existence? To what extent are your thoughts and ideas influenced or controlled by this corrupt world? What kinds of shackles are keeping you from serving your Savior and Lord? Just like the demon-possessed man, Jesus can change your life in a moment. Will you let Him? What did the Lord instruct that man to do? “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” (v. 39) The remainder of that verse records that he did just that. He shared his testimony with “the whole city.” Will you go home and tell?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.