“Jesus arrived at an unusual place, not on the ‘itinerary,’ because of the very storm the disciples would have preferred to avoid. Some of the most amazing moments with God occur like this. Life’s storms can blow us to places never imagined as we find ourselves, perfectly, within the reach of a loving God.”- Heath Adamson
“They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.”- Mark 5:1 (ESV)
As Heath Adamson moves on in Chapter 4 of The Sacred Chase, he notes that something equally miraculous happened after Jesus calmed the storm. But the disciples, those closest to Jesus, had no knowledge about it. That’s usually the way it works when we permit life’s distractions to override the God who’s with us.
Most significantly, once Jesus stepped out of the boat, it didn’t take a few days or a few hours for the miracle to occur. Mark 5:2 tells us that it happened immediately. And that, Heath underscores, represents the power of one glance at Jesus. Because in Jesus we find our greatest treasure. Above all, when you catch a glimpse of God’s true identity, you never need to think about it, consider it, or weigh the options.
As part of the region known as the Decapolis (ten cities), Gadara functioned as a center for Greek culture. Also, many well-known poets and philosophers lived there. In Gadara educational advances were cutting edge and prosperity quite attainable. But, in this environment, Legion was hopeless.
Yet, those who tried to help Legion attempted to get him to conform, pretend, mimic, or behave a certain way. Others forcefully chained him. However, Heath adds this caveat:
“It is important not to see Legion as a man who was victimized by the choices of others who tried to tame him. It is likely those seeking to tame the man had his best interest at heart. . . . The Christian life, however, is not one of taming people to conform. Followers of Christ do not memorize God; we become like him.”
Today’s question” What event not on the itinerary resulted in your amazing moments with God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Your simple yes to begin the chase”
