The man who had been delivered requested to go with him, but Jesus told him to go home and tell his friends what had happened to him.
Jesus then boarded the ship and returned to Capernaum where he was met by people who had heard of His miracles and needed healing: the man with the palsy, Jarius who had a sick daughter, the woman who “touched the hem of his garment” and others (Matthew chapter 9; Mark 5; and Luke 8). The man from the graveyards stayed in Gadara and went home, but “published” his testimony through the Decapolis cities. He was one of few Jesus told to “tell it.”
What if everybody touched by the Lord decided to get into the boat with him or just to follow Him wherever He went and bask in His glory. Think on that.
Not everyone is told to “go.” Specifically, the disciples and the Church were told to “Go ye” and preach to every nation, however, many individuals are told to stay, stand, wait, tarry ... that doesn’t mean they’re not part of the Great Commission to “Go ye into all the world.”
But each has his own place to minister and each has the ability as God has given to obey Him. It’s not the one who jumps up and runs the fastest, who has the most zeal or even who thinks the time is “now.”
Remember that runner who begged to “let me run” and outran the official messenger (2 Samuel 18:22). And when he got to the destination, he had no message to divulge. Ahimaaz said to Joab, “But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi.” And Joab answered, “Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?”
Even when Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), he was told to stay there “until I bring thee Word” — not when they thought it was OK to go home. God always has a plan.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up on wings as eagles ... they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint; Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait (Isaiah 30:41).
Man’s highest purpose is to live for God, obey him and glorify him. It is not a quest for glory or recognition. It is not to seek to be happy. When we seek to please God, the happiness and joy will be present.
The goals of a child of God are to please him, love our neighbor, rejoice in truth and be a witness of the saving grace of Jesus.
Those who listen to the Lord will “run with patience,” waiting on strength from God.
They’ll know when to run, when to walk and when to wait “until I bring thee word.”
