A Friend
Understands
by Cathy Vinson |
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A theme of
our generation may be the ability to say "no." A recent library book dealt
thoroughly with the act of saying "no," from a child longing to fit in with
peers to the mother's need to decline the teacher's request of sewing costumes for the
school play. The bottom line remained: friendship can bear up under the need to say
"no." "A true friend understands that."
In Luke 8 Jesus encounters the Gadarenes. We find His experience with three groupings that
"begged" Him. First of all the legion of demons were "begging Him not to
torment them" and "begging Him repeatedly" (vss 28,31) not to be send to
the Abyss. For some reason, Jesus grants their request and permits them to enter swine.
Secondly, the deceived population of the land requests Jesus' departure. "Overcome
with fear," they chose darkness upon seeing the man delivered and in his right mind.
Rather than forcing Himself against their desire, Jesus granted their request. "He
got into the boat and left" (vs 37).
Lastly, approached the man. He was cleansed throughout by the power and love of the Son of
God. He wanted to stay with Jesus and "begged" (vs 38) Him. Of the three
parties, Jesus declines this one, His closest supporter and willing ally! The only request
made from heart-felt obedience is turned down.
This is amazing...could it be that true friendships are ones that allow "no" to
be said and received? The will of the Lord could overflow into this man's pliable heart.
Indeed it was to his honor that Jesus could deny his request. It meant friendship at a
deeper level.
Could it be that God's "no" means the warmer intimacy of friendship? He knows we
are ready for a higher level of relationship. His cause can be received into our heart, a
heart that can accomodate His decline. "A true friend understands that.
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