Blog
In one of my college classes, there was an older gentleman who sat towards the front. He knew every answer and always had an opinion about every subject. He bragged about having several degrees in accounting, history, social work and political science. Finally one day, the professor looked at the man, and asked, “why are you here?”
The older man replied, “to learn, sir.” To which the professor smiled and shook his head, “but what for? You have all of these degrees, all of this knowledge, but what use is it if you never put it into practice. It’s not enough to gain knowledge, you must use it to better society.”
The classroom was silent. No one knew what to do or say. The man just sat there, stunned. And then, class continued as usual.
Luke 8:38-39
“Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.”
This man had just been healed by Jesus after years of being possessed by demons. He felt alive, whole, and hopeful for the first time in a long time. He wanted to be with Jesus, the one who healed Him. He wanted to learn from Him and soak it all in. I’m sure in his mind he was already planning out all of the places he would go with Jesus, sitting at His feet, listening, and learning.
But Jesus had a different plan. The man had a story. He had been changed. He once was one way and now he was completely different. He was a witness to Jesus’ healing power and authority. And he couldn’t just keep that to himself.
Learning everything about Jesus would have been good, but Jesus’ plan for him was even better.
He had a job to do. He had a story to share. And who better to share it with than the people he had once tormented, the ones who had to bind him with chains for their protection! These people would see and understand just how great of a miracle this was!
And they needed it.
These were the same people who were afraid of Jesus and ran Him out of town. This man would be His witness and tell of the mighty works of Jesus.
Going to church is good. Attending Sunday school, Bible study, small group, listening to sermons online, reading the Bible – all of it is good. But what are you doing with it?
Have you been changed by Jesus Christ? Then YOU have a story to share! It doesn’t mean you have to travel to foreign countries, you can begin by sharing it right where you are, with the people who think they know you best.
Tell about what Jesus has done in your life. Tell of His mercy He gives every day. Tell of His love over you and how He pulled you from the pit of despair. Share about His goodness and how you know you can trust Him. Speak of times that He has led you in the right direction, answered your prayers, and provided when there was no way.
Learning is good, but what will you do with it?
Tell the story of Jesus.
Copyright © 2022 by Yalanda Merrell Lifeword.org. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org