“Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. 32 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs. So Jesus gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.
34 When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. 35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36 Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.” Luke 8:30-37 New Living Translation.
God of mercy,
I love the poetry of the authorised version and I love the story, the potted freedom autobiography of this man. I love to read and hear the testimony of men and women from all walks of life how and where they met Jesus. From the rough sleeper given a tract by a passing grandma to a young woman who met You in her bedroom. This man in the Bible, possessed by demons, he discovered that meeting Jesus means transformation and freedom. You have not changed God and You are still setting people free from sin today.
Do miracles still happen in our time. Yes, I believe Lord. And we give thanks for every life that has been changed by Jesus. The most wonderful miracle – is our own story – because we know what we were like and the difference You have made to our lives. Where would we be without You?
This man lived in an unholy place – among pigs. Unclean to a Jew. He had lost everything besides his sanity. The pig herders lost their collateral and their income. Yet Jesus told him to go back to his home town and tell them what God had done for him. Face those he had put out of business? Yes, but they could not argue with a walking miracle. God asks us to tell people what a change Jesus has made to our lives. It might not be as dramatic for us but being forgiven, knowing Your love and heaven to come is a miracle. It may be the only way someone will hear. It plants a seed. Help us to share the good news. It is such good news.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen,
God of mercy,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Soften their hearts to allow You to speak and bless and guide those who know You.
For our church be a beacon of hope and a place of comfort, welcome and good news.
For our Government our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire. Lord have mercy.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For safety where there are fireworks and bonfires. For our fire service and emergency services.
For farmers combatting the endless rain and flooding. For homes in flood plains and those battling with leaks from such torrential rain!
For safety tomorrow with fireworks and bonfires.
For ourselves, for all we need physically, mentally and spiritually. Meet our needs and gently remind us how much we are loved.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 4th November2023
I selected this acoustic song because, for me, it makes it personal worship rather than a congregational. And it is just good to hear something familiar afresh.
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away our love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver;
let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve Thee as Thy hosts above;
pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley