by Rob Campbell
Joel’s post yesterday reflected upon recovery cells. What an awesome mix, eh? People who desire to be whole and…cell life. When we participate with the Spirit of God in the context of community hope is instilled into our hearts.
One day Jesus encountered a demoniac. Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion.” Who gave him that name? Certainly, it wasn’t his parents. It probably was the community folks who lived by the sea. He resided in a graveyard. This was a man of great rejection and he was the subject of “lock down” and “throw away the key.” As time faded, he began to reject himself by mutilating his own body.
Why did Jesus ask him, “What is your name?” Nobody knows for sure, but let me share one thought. Wholeness only comes to us when we face our fragmented lives. Could it be that Jesus wanted the demoniac to say his name as a starting place for his pathway to wholeness and healing? “I am Legion….[Hundreds and hundreds of evil spirits indwell me]…Yes, this is who I am.”
Notice as well that Jesus did not avoid or ignore him. He didn’t send one of his disciples to “take care” of Legion. By asking his name, Jesus is extending himself to Legion. It is a form of acceptance. It wasn’t what Legion usually encountered. He was used to rejection, not acceptance.
Do you see the connection? Legion’s name clearly identified what he needed from Jesus. It’s not as cut and dry in this life, is it? Our name does not generally reveal what we need from Jesus. Yet, we are fragmented in need of a touch from Jesus. We all need recovery in the context of community– your cell members.
May your cell have the courage to face our fragmented lives and cooperate with God’s Spirit pursuing a new level of wholeness.
On a related note: Pastor Bobby Arnold leads Cypress Creek Church’s network of recovery cells. Check this ministry out at: www.cypresscreekchurch/wimberley/cr/index.shtml
Comments?