CHANGE-THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY

Jesus goes to the edge of a village and finds demon-possessed men who have terrorized the villagers.  He casts out the demons and the two men become sane and His followers.  The villagers are frightened and tell Jesus to "leave them alone!" (See Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39.)  Jesus stops at a well on the outskirts of another village.  He speaks to an adulteress, tells her all about her sorted life and offers her eternal life.  She goes to the people of her village, tells them about the man she believes is the Messiah.  Many came to believe in Him because of her testimony.  "When they came out to see Him at the well, they begged Him to stay at their village; and He did, for two days, long enough for many of them to believe in Him after hearing Him" (John 4:26, 39-42).  One village was given the opportunity for salvation and eternal life but they saw Jesus as a threat to their customary way of life and rejected Him.  Another was given the same opportunity and welcomed Him, put their faith in Him and their lives were changed forever.

To whomever Jesus Christ is revealed, change is invited.  To those who are seeking for God, Jesus Christ is revealed.  To those who desire only the fleeting pleasures of this world, He is seen as a threat.  Many come seeking the Lord "for their own pleasure."  Some seek the Lord to please Him.  He will show Himself to all who seek Him but change is guaranteed for those who choose to receive Him.  Think about it.