Perhaps it's reflected in a t-shirt I saw not long ago that read, "Jesus is my Homeboy". Now, I don't want to judge anyone wearing the shirt as I appreciate those who are unashamed of their faith. But the townspeople of the land of the Gerasanes did not beg Jesus to leave their region because Jesus was too cool for them. They begged him to leave because he had just demonstrated his unbelievable power over an army of demonic forces. They were scared of him because a man with that much authority and power could not be controlled. He would do whatever he wanted to do.
By" taming" Jesus we have unintentionally turned him into our buddy instead of our Lord. We expect Jesus to do what we want him to instead of giving him the obedient allegiance he deserves. We wonder why we don't walk more in victory over sin and instead have to just "do the best we can" trying to manage it. The man formerly known as Legion could tell you.
"I've got a plan Jesus," he said. "Let me become one of your followers." It was a really great plan and I'm sure the man thought it was a great idea for him to leave his old life behind and go with Jesus everywhere. He could give testimonies and listen to Jesus teach. He could grow in his faith and be trained to do wonderful service in the future. Jesus said, "I'm not going to do your plan. Here is my plan. Go back to your family and friends and tell them what the Lord has done for you." The man didn't argue. He didn't continue to beg Jesus to follow the plan he had offered. He just did what Jesus said.
How different our lives would be if we just did what Jesus said. We did what he tells us to do with our money, our relationships, our priorities, our principles, our . . . well, our everything. Stop trying to manage your unmanageable life and give Jesus control.
