"The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him (Jesus); but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him." (Luke 8:38-39)
The Gospel text for this Sunday, June 24 (the 4th Sunday after Pentecost) is from Luke 8:26-39. This is the story of Jesus healing the wild, possessed naked man who found his joy by running through the tombs (this always gets the attention of my confirmation kids). As Jesus entered the country of the Gerasenes he is greeted by this possessed man. The demons plead for their life as Jesus commands them to come out of the man. Jesus, showing compassion, allows them to enter a swine herd and they proceed to drive the herd into the ocean; destroying it.
The wild, possessed naked man is now healed, clothed and now in his right mind. The people looking on, however, are scared silly. Because of their fear they ask Jesus to leave, so he does. As Jesus is preparing to leave, the healed man wants to go with Jesus but Jesus commands him to stay and proclaim the good news. The man obeys and proclaimed "throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him."
The response of the healed man is nothing unusual. Many of you have probably attended retreats, seminars, worship services or Bible studies where you truly felt the presence of God. In those cases many people want to stay put. They don’t want to leave and risk losing that incredible feeling. This is what we would call a "mountain top experience". They feel good and safe. Our problems seem to melt away and time seems to stop. But we all know that the time comes when we must return home – for life is not lived on the "mountain top, but in the valley".
The healed man had experienced an amazing healing (a mountain top experience) and wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus wanted him to proclaim the good news. And the same goes for us. We can’t live at the retreat center or seminar or worship service or Bible study. We can’t live on the "mountain top". The point of our experiences is to share with others the amazing things that God does for us. And this command to tell others what God has done for you means to re-enter the valley. But as we re-enter the valley we can be assured that the Holy Spirit goes with us. Jesus promised his disciples this and Jesus promises us this as well.
So…"‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’" Return to the "valley" so others may have a "mountain top experience". Praise be to God, always and forever. Amen!
-edh-
The Heart of a Pastor 
Eric, thanks for your comments on my blog today. Makes me think about getting a focus (and going to an evangelism seminar!) I don’t know that I want to be famous any more, but I do still want to write a book someday.
As to the text, I’m preaching this weekend, so thanks for your thoughts. My initial thoughts are:
1. Why are the people more afraid when the man is healed and in his right mind than when he is running naked through the tombs, filled with demons?
2. Oftentimes, the destructive nature of evil is hidden. Sometimes it shows itself. When the herd runs over the cliff, that is showing the true face of evil.
3. Are we so afraid of Jesus’ power that we ask him to leave, rather than to change things, (or change us?)
4. He leaves, but the changed man stays to be a witness. So in a way, the power of Jesus stays behind.
Just some initial thoughts.
Thank you, Diane, for your thoughts. #4 is the one that initially jumped out to me, but I like your other 3 as well. There is so much one could preach on in this text. Sermon prep could be interesting this week.
the other part of that is, when Jesus goes away, he doesn’t really go, he leaves US to be His presence (via the Holy Spirit) in other places. What a responsibility. And also, “left behind, part II”. (No, I’m not going to use that title.)
I’m back again, this time to tell you that you have been tagged! Please visit me (since I can’t use html to send you to my place) to find out about the meme