Jesus has a very unique way of communicating with and reaching people collectively and personally. Three scenes mentioned back-to-back highlights three very different messages from Jesus.
In Luke 8:39, Jesus instructions are “go home” and “declare”.
“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:39 ESV
In verse 48, he comforts by saying “go in peace”.
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Luke 8:48 ESV
And in verse 56 of the same chapter, Jesus informs the family to “tell no one”.
And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Luke 8:56 ESV
Each person had varying instructions that went along with what Jesus had done for them. He knew what they needed to hear and what they needed done in their lives.
I believe each of these moments represent both people and situations in our lives.
They represent people because there are those that believe they should always go out proclaiming and declaring. There are those who believe the objective is peace, keeping the peace, and being peaceable. Finally, there are those that believe what the Lord has done for them is between them and the Lord and the work of the Lord in their lives is private. None of these positions are wrong. We just have to use wisdom and seek the Lord regarding next steps.
These positions can also be moments in our lives. There are times where we ought to declare and proclaim. There are times where no action is required except for receiving the peace of the Lord. Finally, there are things we are to keep to ourselves. Again, none of these are wrong they just require wisdom and knowing what the Lord needs us to do.
Father, grant me the wisdom to know what to say and when to say it, when to receive your peace, and when to remain quiet.
The Bell Reader 