In Luke 8:26-39 we read about a demon-possessed man who lived in the cemetery.
- He was living in a place of death.
- He was living in a state of torment.
- He was living in a state of isolation.
1. We become tomb dwellers and live in a place of death when we let sin reign in our lives. Romans 6:11-14
Romans 6:12 says, “DO NOT LET sin reign.” We have a choice to make when it comes to serving our flesh, serving Satan, or serving God.
2. We become tomb dwellers and live in a state of torment when we let our past
define us. Many choose to live life with less passion, less faith, and less hope because their past has told them they can’t fulfill their dreams. Many have shrunk themselves and isolated themselves because they believe they are damaged, not capable, and not valuable due to things that have happened in the past.
Jesus is calling us out of our caves, out of our self-defeatist states of mind. “Whatever God has for you, it’s not behind you.” (Beth Moore)
3. We also can become tomb dwellers and live in a state of isolation when we let the world distress us.
This world is a tough place in which to live. Too many Christians are listening to the barrage of messages coming to them from the world rather than listening to God’s voice.
You also can’t let what other people might label you limit you.
Jabez, a man in the Bible, was labeled early in life. His name meant, “Born in pain.” (1 Chronicles. 4:9-10) Jabez didn’t become what his mother named him. He made the choice not to be limited by his label. He chose instead to ask God to define his life. He asked God to define where his borders would be. He asked God to do something in his life that would keep him from ever acting out the label his mom gave to him. And Scripture says God granted him that request!
Instead of living a life of sin that leads to death, instead of being tormented by our past, instead of living in isolation due to worldly stress and the oppression of labels that limit our lives, Jesus brings a new way of experiencing life. It is a life out of the shadows. It is a life with a great future. It is a life without limits. Is anyone here ready to go from being a Tomb Dweller to a Miracle Teller? It’s time to tell Jesus the whole story and let Him do His job as Deliverer and Healer!
Make it a great week!
Pastor Melissa
