Mark 5:20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Here we have a disciple who didn’t physically follow Jesus, though he wanted to. There are many kinds of disciple, and the Lord is the only one who can determine which are faithful and which are not. I would imagine that this man was as secure in his place in heaven as any of the 12 apostles! Different people have different giftings, and accordingly, different assignments. I recently read an article about Fannie Crosby, who wrote many hymns that are loved even today, but was blind most of her life. She was given musical ability and linguistic ability, and a phenomenal memory, but not eyesight. She was faithful with what she had, and generations since have been greatly blessed. She herself told people not to feel sorry for her, because she was happy and very fortunate. You might think that is an extreme example, but no more so than this man who had been possessed by a legion of demons. Everyone’s story is different, but we are all accountable to our Creator, who loves us whatever we think. Some people allow themselves to be consumed by regret and resentment at their situation, but they have lost sight of the reality that life on this earth is no more than a preparation exercise for eternity. I deeply love Andrae Crouch’s song, Through It All. It expresses in clear terms that all we go through is ultimately to bless us, because it draws and shapes us to know and love our Creator, if we will allow it to do so. The man in this story had absolutely nothing but his conviction that Jesus was the Son of God, and he had been told that by the demons that had oppressed him! (verse 7) However, that was enough, and the contrast between how he had been and what he had become was a powerful witness to all who knew him. Everyone’s story is different, but each person is capable of releasing their circumstances to God and committing themselves to Him. If we will do that, we will be His disciples indeed, to our eternal blessing and His glory.

Of course, this applies to every human being. I’m in the process of writing my own autobiography, which I hesitated to do because I didn’t want to toot my own horn, so to speak. However, the awareness that my life has been a testimony to the grace and faithfulness of God has finally brought me around to start writing. It’s going to be a long book! As a pastor, my job is to help other people believe, and then to apply that faith in their own lives. There is infinite variety in that, because there is infinite variety among human beings. I am not to try to push people into molds of my making, but rather help them recognize what God has done in and for them, so that they may in turn exercise that in faithfulness and accountability to their Creator. And of course, I’ve got to do the same. I must remember that no two disciples are identical, but that doesn’t mean that one is more or less faithful than another.

Father, thank You for this unexpected Word. Thank You for showing me what to read, since I completely blew it for today when drawing up the reading list. I ask for Your guidance for everyone else using this list as well! May we all hear what You are saying to us, however You choose to say it, and respond in loving obedience, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!