Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
In the midst of all that is going on, there are some things that just simply take us by surprise. It might be someone that comes alongside someone in need. It could be a moment when someone does something that simply throws us off a bit. I guess for me it is when something happens that makes me scratch my head and question what is going on.
This past week was a little different because Vicki was over in Oklahoma taking care of our niece while her parents were out of town. Hannah is one of those sweet little girls that is always doing something. She is so sweet and absolutely loves Vicki!
But what Hannah doesn’t think about is that while Vicki is with her, she isn’t with me. Vicki called every evening to talk with me and find out what was going on. I know she was a little surprised to find out that I hadn’t gotten into any trouble and was doing pretty well.
On Saturday, Vicki finally made it home and things started getting back to normal. I really miss her when she’s gone. She doesn’t believe me when I say it, but I really do. No, it’s not because I miss her telling me what to do, because she can call me and tell me what to do.
What I really miss is the time we share together. It is just knowing that she is right there beside me or at least in the same house. It is knowing that I can reach out and touch her and hold her close. The physical contact gives me the confidence that I am not alone.
I shared on Sunday morning that they are saying that one of the big problems people have been facing during the pandemic is the lack of contact they have with others. Not being able to have that physical contact with others can be difficult to handle. Being able to interact with others helps us grow in our lives.
All through Scripture you find those that are interacting with others. You find those that are reaching out to other people to share with them the truth of our God. Many times reaching out to others started at home, with those near them. Some were quick to accept that while others turned away.
When you look at the disciples you find some spent time together while others stayed to themselves. As Christ was shared some would go alone while others went two by two. The intent either way was to share the news of Jesus with those they encountered.
In Mark 5 we read about the Gadarene demoniac. Jesus cast the demons into the herd of swine then they ran into the sea. The people found the demoniac clothed and in his right mind, they then asked Jesus to depart.
In Mark 5 18-20 it says – “And as He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was entreating Him that he might accompany Him. 19 And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people (friends) and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for Him; and everyone marveled.
This man experienced the healing of his struggle through Jesus. He wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and share with them what Jesus had done for him.
We must not forget that we must start at home as we share what God has done for us. As we share with those at home, we will find that the interaction we have with them will move them to the One who has brought a change to our lives.
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
