Bible Studies
Luke 8:26-27 NIV
They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.
The Spooky Naked Guy Chronicles: Part One
Gerasenes was a scary place. Think Gotham City back in the day. Yet, it was Jesus’ destination. He rowed 7.5 miles to get there after battling a storm.
When his boat landed Jesus was met on the shore by a demon possessed, naked guy who lived in a cemetery.
Jesus could have gone anywhere. Why here? Why meet this guy who was known as the worst of the bad in Gerasenes? This place was way outside the disciples’ Jewish comfort zone.
Why did Jesus meet spooky naked guy on his own turf?
Because that is what Jesus does with me, and other sinners, every day. He comes to us because He knows we are hurting and need help. He knows His children need Him.
He comes to us on our own turf as we hide in our personal cemeteries of demonic oppression.
When our lives are at their worst, Jesus knows where we are. He is rowing towards us. The Messiah cared so much for this one demon possessed man, He sought him out. He is seeking you, as well.
When I feel my life, or the life of someone I know, seems beyond help, I can rest assured Jesus is willing to come to me. He loves me, and you.
When I was young, around 16, my dad died. I felt hurt and scared. The pain of how my dad died tormented me for years and years. I, also, hid in the shadows as I worked to cope and survive the pain and anguish. In some ways, I, too, was banished from normal society.
Just like he did with spooky naked guy, Jesus came and found me. Though it seemed like it took forever, He knew where to find me and had a plan to set me free!
Weekly, sometimes daily, I hear from people who have difficult lives.
Maybe I hear from someone while I’m leading an outreach to a pro tennis tournament, or just reading email or answering the phone. Over the last 10 years, I’ve spent much time with hurting people.
What I’ve been blessed to understand is the pain I went through as a teen and young adult was desperately needed so I could understand and empathize with the pain others are going through, today.
Same with you. Whatever your current pain, know God will meet you on the shore.
Whatever your current circumstances… cancer, divorce, hunger, alcoholism, drug addiction… whatever the oppression and pain, know you are totally and completely loved by the One who created all and knows every hair on your head.
Something drove spooky naked guy to be at the beach at the exact moment Jesus arrived. Though his years of demonic oppression and possession had ravaged his life and was hurling him to eternity in hell, he was divinely led to a beach to meet Jesus.
Nothing you have done, no situation you are in, no pain you have endured can keep you from the love and forgiveness and protection of Jesus.
I personally can tell you this is true…
… and so could the spooky naked guy, as I will share with you soon!
God bless each of you.
Scott Paschal
International Christian Tennis Association
www.christiantennis.net
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