Choices Make a Difference

And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.”And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city, they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region. Matthew 8:28-34 ESV

Two demon-possessed men had just been freed from bondage. Their healing was unprecedented and miraculous. Two men who were so fierce that no one could pass that way were delivered from darkness. Yet the ones who knew them best, who had witnessed their savage behavior and heard their fierce screams, had no room in their hearts for awe or celebration. Instead, they lamented their loss of income and begged Jesus to leave.

When we come face to face with God, when we encounter Jesus on a personal level, we have two choices: accept Him or reject Him. For some, it’s a conflict of interest. Matthew 6:24 says, “A man cannot serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.” For others, it’s a conflict of loyalty and (perceived) priorities. “Let me take care of my father first, then I will follow you.” Matthew 8:21-22.

Every day, God invites us to choose between His calling and our agendas. He will never force Himself on us. My question to you is, which will you choose?

Prayer: Lord, I choose you above all others. I choose to serve as your vessel, even though it may not always be convenient. I choose your will and your purpose above my self-serving plans. I choose to follow you, whatever the cost. Amen.

Thought: Choices – they determine how we live our lives and where we spend eternity.