Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The Arrival

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25


Why all this trouble on the lake?
I said this earlier in the week, "If Jesus said, "let us go over to the other side of the lake", well we will indeed make it to the other side of the lake.
If you continue reading the story we see that Jesus and the disciples finally arrive on the other side.
My comfort and strength is in knowing that Jesus leads and I follow. 
So, what happened once they arrived?
"When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town." (v. 27)
The disciples were still shaking; their tremulous flesh responding to their boat ride. 
Now here comes the welcoming committee in Gerasenes. 
The darkness that could not stop them in the water is now trying to disrupt the Kingdom of God and his people one more time.
“Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (v.25)

As we read we discover along with the disciples that the One that silences the wind and calms the storm will deliver this man who was under the authority of darkness.
Every demon in him knew who Jesus was.
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 
This possessed man who for a long time had not worn clothes or lived in a house was about to encounter his Liberator! He was possessed by a legion of demons. 
I love the visual I get.  
Every knee will bow! 
This army of demons had to bow before the Presence of Jesus! 

The Devil and his malignant army tried to bring disruption on the boat.  
The men were in danger. Jesus never denied that danger was at hand.  
What Jesus did was command the storm to come under submission.  
The One in authority spoke and it was done. (Matthew 28:18)
The storm is a decoy, a distraction, a snare, a trick to keep us from arriving.
It's more than the storm.
We have something to accomplish once we arrive.
Therefore I remember and reassure myself today.  
If Jesus, says we are going over to the other side, rest assure "oh my soul" we are going to arrive! 
God bless you!~Liz

CHANGE, WELCOME IT!

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