|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Tuesday, June 17, 2003 "Fresh Starts in our Current Context" |
|
Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, June 17, 2003 By
Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text for the day: Luke 8: 26-39
One of the classic plot lines in the movies is this- “someone who has something to hide in their past moves to a new place to get a fresh start. They hope to put the past behind them but the movie ends up illustrating that you can’t run away from the past.”
Can you think of a movie of that genre? I’ll name a few - “Spitfire Grill”, “The Natural” (Robert Redford), Kindergarden Cop (I’m serious- Arnold Schwarzennegar fluff movie), and countless other better movies than the ones I’ve named makeup that genre.
At times, starting fresh is a very good thing. At times, we move for good reasons and it is not a “running away”, but rather “moving to a new opportunity” where our past stays with us in an informative manner. In cases like that, we acknowledge that the past has made us who we are.
In the Gospel today, a man had been suffering for a long time. He lived alone, was possessed by demons, and utterly disconnected from the people in closest proximity to him. Because of his ways, he lived apart from the rest, but they certainly knew who he was.
Jesus enters the scene and heals, which is no small feat. Without going into detail, upon his healing the man wants to leave for a fresh start. He wants to get away and follow Jesus and get away from his former location where he had been labeled as “different” or “demon possessed” by others. He wanted to get away from labels and stereotypes, which are not easy to break down. “Let me follow you. Let me have a fresh start” he says to Jesus. In return, Jesus tells him to stay put and tell others about your changed state and how good God is.
On the surface, making significant change may be easier with a totally new start. But the Gospel today is a remider that sometimes we experience radical change right where we are and Jesus wants us to stay put and bear witness to that changed state. Some may doubt your transformation. Don’t lose heart. For God can and will always do wonders in the lives of his people. Be open to the change that comes from God right in your midst.
Prayer: Lord God, come into our midst and bring us healing and radical changes for the better. Help us to stop looking for “greener pastures” and “fresh starts in far off lands”. Instead, help us to see you changing our lives here and now. Teach us to celebrate in the midst of our current situations- pouring out the goodness you have first given to us. Amen
Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily.. They will also be posted to the web site if you want to direct others to our web site for more information. Sign up by clicking on the box below
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.