JESUS! WAKE UP!!! (Part 7)

Hello TaiKeh fams! 

Welcome to part 7 of JESUS! WAKE UP!!! Series, We discussed in Part 6 how the demons thought that Jesus wouldn't be able to survive the storm they had prepared, but THEY THOUGHT WRONG! You should check it out! 

Bible Text :

They landed in the country of the Gadarenes and were met by two madmen, victims of demons, coming out of the cemetery. The men had terrorized the region for so long that no one considered it safe to walk down that stretch of road anymore. Seeing Jesus, the madmen screamed out, “What business do you have giving us a hard time? You’re the Son of God! You weren’t supposed to show up here yet!” Off in the distance a herd of pigs was browsing and rooting. The evil spirits begged Jesus, “If you kick us out of these men, let us live in the pigs.” Jesus said, “Go ahead, but get out of here!” Crazed, the pigs stampeded over a cliff into the sea and drowned. Scared to death, the swineherds bolted. They told everyone back in town what had happened to the madmen and the pigs. Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not come back. Matthew 8:28‭-‬34 MSG

https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.8.28-34.MSG

The first question we asked ourselves after reading the above verses was, "What were the swineherds doing there?" 

We raised this question because the people living in that city knew better than to go near the territory of the demon possessed men, Yet the swineherds went there with their swine. 

Of all places, the swineherds considered it safe to lead their swine there! 

Its not like they were tourists and didn't know their way around because the Bible tells us that when trouble came, the first place they ran to was into the city, meaning they knew where the city was located , Assuming they were new comers in Gadarenes, they would not have known where to seek help from . 

The swineherds represents Christians who embark on certain journeys that God didn’t instruct them to go on. They take decisions without asking Holy Spirit first. 

If the swineherds had not gone there, the pigs would never have been possessed by the demons, and in the end destroyed. Unfortunately, the swineherds took along the innocent flocks with them. 

Below are examples of people in the Bible who did certain things without asking God first as well as those who enquired from Him. 

To begin with, Naomi and Elimelech: They left Judah to the land of Moab because of the famine, whereas God did not send them there and as a result, Naomi did not only return to square one, she lost everything including her husband and two sons (Ruth 1:1-5). 

However, Lets compare Isaac to Naomi, there was also famine in the land where Isaac dwelt, but he remained there irrespective of what was happening around him because God had spoken to him to stay and he sowed in that land and God blessed him. (Gen. 26:1-14)

Furthermore, Abraham told Lot to choose his land of habitation and Lot used his physical eyes to decide on where to live, To him he had chosen a fertile land but to God, that land was filled with wicked men. (Genesis 13:10-13). 

Imagine Lot had asked God before making the decision, He wouldn't have faced so much trouble because if you read further, God had to send two angels to deliver Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah and in the process, Lot lost his wife to a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26). 

Also, David asked God whether he should pursue and overtake when his family members were captured, though he was heartbroken he didn't follow his feelings but he asked for God's direction first . (1Sam 30:8)

Nehemiah sought God's approval before he started building the wall, He enquired from God first to direct him, and in the end it was successful. (Neh. 1:4-11)

Esther and her people fasted and prayed for three days before going to see the king, She didn't just barge into the King's court without seeking God's face. (Esther 4:16)

Hey fam, We encourage you to always ask Holy Spirit first before making any decision, whether small or big. The truth is that when you ask Holy Spirit first, He will guide and direct you to make the best choice. 

For example, 

Are you thinking of which course to study in college? 

Are you thinking of which type of business to venture into? 

Are you thinking of which man/woman to marry? 

Are you thinking of which Car to buy, what to wear, eat, etc? 

- ASK HOLYSPIRIT FIRST. 

No matter how important or trivial it may seem, please ask Holy Spirit first. 

That it's a good idea doesn't mean it God's will for your life.

In God's Grip, 

TaiKeh Idahor