Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

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One of my favorite lines from Chuck Norris movie was - If you come back in here Im going to hit you with so many rights you're going to beg for a left.

It is a scene where a man shows up to threaten Chuck and ends up getting his chest kicked in and everyone running away. 

Matthew 8:28 from screaming and threatening to begging and pleading. 

Why doesn’t Jesus run scared? I know it sounds simple - uh… he’s God? Hello? But what is behind this moment really? He was man who laid down his deity in order to live completely through the power of the Holy Spirit. So what is going on here?

First he went across the lake and storm on purpose… because after the demons get cast out he goes back… yes the city begs him not to come to their city… but he knew that already. He came for one demonic crazy man.

No every day that you are heading into at least ONE ordained moment where its going to feel more natural to run than to stand in faith. Now you may not actually run.. but you may shut up, shrink back from speaking the truth, sharing Christ, praying for the sick, inviting the person to church or to accept Christ. Its easy to run from those situations. But stand your ground… and watch satan get angry and threaten you… but stand your ground. What does Ephesians say after standing your ground, stand firm and stand your ground. 

He then calls them out and says what’s your name? Why would he do that? For those around him. He wanted the disciples to see that even when its on against 6000 you still have the victory. I can see Jesus asking the man and when the demons say “legion for we are many”… Jesus kind of smacks his lips, smiles and cackles… still not enough. YOU ARE OUTNUMBERED BY ONE AND ONLY ONE! 

Then he casts them into the pigs… You have the right to cast out demons… notice Jesus did not ask the man if he wanted to be delivered. He just did it. I am not asking someone if they want to be delivered… I am just going to pray that the demon leaves them…then I will ask them if they want to accept Jesus as their lord and savior. If not I will warn them that this demon will be back with even more demons and they will be in far greater danger… 

Finally, the man begs to come with Jesus, but he says no. Why? I think he would make an incredible disciple… right? Think of the stories and banter with the other disciples… well at least I never ran around naked and bloody…. Oh bob your killing me. Seriously… why not take him on the road? He needs to be the light to those he knows best. Your testimony is greatest to those who used to know you… don’t ever hesitate telling them - don’t be ashamed  - that is the power you have been given - that is the word of your testimony.