Time For Go And Tell!

When I was in grade school, "Show And Tell" time was always fun. It seemed less "schoolish" than everything else. It was a time to listen without worrying about being tested later on what was being shared. It was also the opportunity to share what was of personal interest to me with my classmates as well.

In the area of the Garasenes -- where Jesus healed a demon possessed man living among the tombs (see Mark 5:1-20 & Luke 8:26-39 for the full accounts) -- as Jesus was getting ready to leave we read. . .

"(17) And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. (18) As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons BEGGED HIM THAT HE MIGHT BE WITH HIM. (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.' (20) And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled." ( Mark 5:17-20 ESV)

What an impact Jesus had had on his life! As some "begged" Jesus to leave the region, this man "begged" to go and BE WITH JESUS. His desire probably does not surprise us. However, though BEING WITH JESUS would have been a glorious thing, there was something else for him to do at this time. This man was instructed to GO AND TELL his friends how much the Lord had done for him, and that is exactly what he did.

As I considered this scene I also remembered Paul's desire to BE WITH THE LORD. It was a strong longing. It was a glorious thing to which he looked forward. Paul expressed this desire in his letter to the church at Philippi where we read. . .

"(21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22) If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. (23) I am hard pressed between the two. MY DESIRE IS TO depart and BE WITH CHRIST, for that is far better. (24) But TO REMAIN IN THE FLESH IS MORE NECESSARY ON YOUR ACCOUNT." ( Philippians 1:21-24 ESV)

Yes, a strong desire. However Paul recognized that though it would be far better for himself personally to depart and BE WITH CHRIST, it was more necessary for the present to remain on behalf of the spiritual growth of the Christians at Philippi; for their spiritual "progress and joy in the faith." ( Philippians 1:25)

Do we also share that same strong desire to go and BE WITH THE LORD? That is a good desire. To live with that anticipation can encourage us as we go through life's challenges. And that time for us will come. BEING WITH THE LORD will be more glorious and certainly much easier than some of what we have to deal with in this realm. However, though that would be better personally, it is more necessary for us to be telling others the good news of Jesus and of the difference He has made in our life as we go about living our daily lives. Let us therefore be presently involved in GOING and TELLING others HOW MUCH THE LORD HAS DONE FOR US! We have become the recipients of His great mercy, been brought into peace with God through the blood of Jesus Christ, have been forgiven, have been given eternal hope, and the list goes on. These are blessings God desires others around us to come to experience as well. May we wisely use the time we have been presently given for God's purposes and to His glory and praise.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING WHAT'S MORE NECESSARY NOW!
Carl

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