Return; Declare; Proclaim! (Luke 8:39)

 


Saturday, March 1, 2025


Psalms 1; 2

Genesis 34

Luke 8:26-39


Observance: David, bishop of Menevia, Wales (d. 601)


Return; Declare; Proclaim! (Luke 8:39)


I sometimes wonder if it is a uniquely Australian past-time to discuss American politics. As polite as we are amongst ourselves when discussing our own politicians (apart to say that they are all the same and we might as well go to the beach instead), we seem to have this strange (and quite possibly morbid) fascination with what is happening in that nation.


All this to say that we should remind ourselves of the second Psalm, which we read today: “Why do the heathen so furiously rage together: and why do the people imagine a vain thing? He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: the Lord shall have them in derision. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the right way: if his wrath be kindled, (yea, but a little,) blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (Psalm 2:1, 4, 12, BCP) This Psalm is a sneak peek into the conversation between God the Father and God the Son just after Christ had ascended into heaven. Jesus had completed his work of atonement on the cross, bought his people with his own blood, and now the Father has given him all things. As much as we like to goggle over foreign politics, Jesus is in control of them, too – and they should kiss the Son, lest he be angry, just like we ought to.


Directing our focus back on our own home is commendable, and is what Jesus said to the man who was freed from demons. Desperately did this man want to follow Jesus and see all the wonderful things Jesus would do everywhere else; and don’t we all empathise with this attitude? Yet listen to Jesus’ words to him: return to your home, declare what God has done for you, and proclaim the gospel to your own city.


This is not, of course, a commandment to those whom Christ calls to be missionaries. They get instructions of their own. But for those of us settled in one place, it is unhealthy to fantasise about greener pastures somewhere else, if Jesus has called you to this place and time. Doesn’t this town need faithful Christians? Doesn’t our home need the gospel? Doesn’t our neighbour need to know the love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ?


When was the last time you told someone what Jesus has done for you? How might you tell people what Jesus has done for you? You are a local, and therefore know the locals here best: might they not receive Jesus in the same way you have?


God of the nations: you rule the world with your iron rod of authority. Bless the ministry to which you have called me in this place, and give me the words to speak so that your gospel may gain a fair hearing.

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