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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 26, 2005 SIGNS |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, January 26, 2005 By Penny Risen
Matthew
8: 28-34
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stay so late and the ice storm is getting worse,”
the driver’s voice on the cell phone said. “Oh-oh, traffic’s backing up on
the parkway – bad sign – I’ll call you back.”
A few tense moments followed as I prayed that my teenage son’s short drive
would end safely. He wasn’t experienced with winter driving, but he’d been
warned to just drive slowly if he had trouble.
“Hi again, this might work out, don’t worry,” the caller assured me,
ringing back with an update. “Some guy up ahead’s helping out. Icy branches
fell, blocking the road. This guy’s out there with a flashlight and no coat,
directing cars around the mess – a good sign! Be home soon …”
How many times have you entered a rough situation, with all the marks of
disaster? Then you’ve seen the bad event turn around quickly and miraculously,
simply when someone puts him or herself out for the good of others. Have you
ever been that pivotal person, one who’s willing to make a difference?
On the road “they were met by two madmen, victims of demons,
coming out of the cemetery. The men had terrorized the region
for so long that no one considered it safe to walk down that stretch
of road anymore. Seeing Jesus, the madmen screamed out, ‘What
business do you have giving us a hard time? You're the Son of God!
You weren't supposed to show up here yet!’ Off in the distance a herd
of pigs was browsing and rooting. The evil spirits begged Jesus,
‘If you kick us out of these men, let us live in the pigs.’ Jesus said,
‘Go ahead, but get out of here!’ Crazed, the pigs stampeded over a cliff
into the sea and drowned. Scared to death, the swineherds bolted.
They told everyone back in town what had happened to the madmen
and the pigs. Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned
pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not
come back.” The Message Bible
It’s remarkable to find in the Gospels that not every act of mercy or healing by Jesus is greeting by overwhelming joy and belief. Here He is, giving these simple folks a great sign that He has consideration for their troubles. Jesus takes pity on the possessed men and drives out their demons, and then He’s told to get out of town by the people who are more concerned about the pigs’ fate!
Miracles are not merely a gimmick used by Jesus to change people’s minds. Sure, His healing and divine intervention are signs of God’s glory and power manifested in the world. But time after time, we see that He cares deeply about people He’s been sent to save. Sometimes these loving, miraculous deeds of Jesus are spurred by an individual’s faith (read on into Matthew 9, where He heals a paralyzed man whose belief is profound and real). These awesome signs are met by witnesses who praise and believe, and they spread the Good News.
But other times, Jesus is like that man on the icy roadway who didn’t know the other drivers, but felt that it was his turn to make a difference, to give folks who he didn’t know a sign that somebody else cared that they got home safely.
Maybe you and I can’t perform miracles. But we surely can take time out in our days to show some consideration of others’ troubles, to give them a sign that Christ’s loving message is alive and well.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, I’m Your instrument. Use me today to make a difference. Help me to leave a sign in my often-troubled world that You can and will touch many. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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