The Forward Day by Day Meditation for June 19, 2016 - 5th Sunday of Pentecost

Luke 8:38-39a The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” 

This dramatic and powerful story from Luke follows an extended teaching on spiritual growth. Jesus tells a parable of how some seeds grow and flourish while others do not. Thorns choke some of the seeds, others dry out, and some are carried away by birds and never take root. So it is with our spirit.

I can relate to the people in this story who saw the dramatic power of God on display, were afraid, and begged Jesus to leave them alone. And Jesus does leave, but he leaves a seed—the story of a man who was once broken and caught in the grip of terror and pain but was made whole by love.

It can be easier to keep the darkness of our lives tucked away in the basement of our souls. Change can be terrifying. Sometimes it is easier just to manage things and bring a small measure of stability. But if we let the seeds of compassion and grace grow, they will become something beautiful and true.

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