1 July 2015 - remain with us, lord

Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus,
and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

Do we ever respond this way? Jesus does a mighty deed. He delivers two demoniacs who "were so savage that no one could travel by that road" and yet the town wants him gone. Jesus is not safe! Perhaps we see the swine run over the cliff into the sea and worry for our own livelihood. Business as usual cannot be guaranteed with Jesus here. Anything but, in fact! When we realize that our own lives aren't entirely pure we begin to squirm. Having Jesus nearby is threatening to us.

Sarah can't deal with having Ishmael nearby because it reminds her of her own sinfulness. It reminds her that she tried to have a better idea than God and bring about his promise through her own means when she suggested that Abram go to Hagar to have a child.

But even when the situation is dangerous to our own status quo and reveals our need to change we should take comfort that God is making all things work for the good of those who love him (cf. Rom. 8:28). There may be swine in our lives that need to go over the cliff. God may be calling us to find better sources of life and meaning. But God is amazing! He is able to work even with our mistakes to bring blessings.

“What is the matter, Hagar?
Don’t be afraid; God has heard the boy’s cry in this plight of his.
Arise, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand;
for I will make of him a great nation.”

Let us fear the LORD more than we fear change or discomfort. May we never beg him to leave. 

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,
for nought is lacking to those who fear him.
The great grow poor and hungry;
but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.

May the LORD never leave us. We pray, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent" (cf. Luk. 24:29).

He longs to dwell with in our hearts. May we never beg him to leave.

Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (cf. Joh. 14:23).

Do we experience naught lacking? Fear him! Invite him into our hearts more today? What can be lacking with him in our hearts? To the swine we say good riddance. Ishmael is no longer our shame. Even he is destined for greatness.