John 4:40-41 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them and he stayed two days.  And because of his words, many more became believers.

Their hearts were receptive and open to change.  Contrast that with the people in the region of Gerasenes where the demon possessed man was (Mark 5:1-20, Matthew 8:28-34, Luke 8:26-39). 

After Jesus drove the demons into the herds of pigs, the townspeople pleaded with him to leave their region. Luke says they were overcome with fear.  They asked Jesus to leave and Jesus, being the perfect gentleman, left.  Jesus, being the perfect gentleman, stayed in Samaria when asked to do so.

Interesting contrast though that one group asked you Jesus to stay, one group pleaded with you to go.  You do the same these days Lord.  You go where you are wanted, you leave where you are not wanted.

And then we wonder why there is school violence or violence in other places......

We are such fickle people, Lord.  We want you on our terms, not your terms.

We want to direct you, instead of being directed by you.

We want to control you, as if we even could do such a thing.

But it is ultimately each one of our choices who we say you are Jesus

And how we welcome you into our lives.

Will we welcome you?

Will we ignore you?

Will we ask you to stay?

Will we plead for you to go?

In my own life, Lord Jesus, I choose to ask you to be in my life.  I choose to ask you to always stay with me.  I choose to want to know you more, whatever the cost, whatever you may ask me to do.