Breaking Chains: Seeing Jesus In The Distance
“Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him…” – Mark 5:6
Nestled between two parables (stories told with a moral/spiritual meaning), the story of the demon possessed man exists. I can say, for as long as I can remember, this story has both intrigued and haunted me.
I picture someone in a graveyard cutting themselves, shouting and staggering in broken chains; it’s a scary thought. And yet, to Jesus, this is how we look after wild drunken nights, lustful day/night dreams about men who are not our husbands, wasted hours in front of our cameras looking at and glorying ourselves, and fits of rage that leave us with misspoken words soiled on our lips. These are the times we, too, wander among the dead destroying our lives.
The conflict between the man and the unclean spirit is an example of the conflict waging war against us all. God created mankind in His image and He loves us immensely, but satan being rebellious and jealous of God, knows there is no greater heartache for God than to see His children be tempted, distracted and destroyed by him, his demons and sin. But, God knows in the midst of this war, there is always a glorious moment when the man or woman will look up, past evil and see Jesus there in the distance waiting for them.
In the middle of distress, the man sees Jesus in the distance and runs to Him. I pray, that none of us will be too entrenched in sin to recognize when Jesus is approaching us to break the chains of sin off us. My prayer is that we will run to Jesus –even limp to Jesus– while the pain of sin still stings knowing that by the hem of His garment and by the blood of His body we are healed.
The demons didn’t want to be released from the man. Similarly, the devil doesn’t want you to released either. He absolutely does not want you to be released from holding grudges, swearing, gossiping or stealing. He wants to hold on to you as tightly as possible to ensure your demise is like his! But, though satan’s grip on this man was strong, Jesus’ grace and mercy was stronger.
Jesus commands the unclean spirits out of the man and gave them permission to enter into swine like they requested. Look at how powerful our God is! Even satan and his demons have to submit to God. This should comfort you and I in all of our difficulties. When the snares of life come upon us, at the name and sight of Jesus EVERYTHING has to respond, especially evil.
“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” – James 2:19
Being set free will always require you to do something. You will have to give up your desires for a life focused on God, but the reward and true and unadulterated PEACE! After the demons left the man, people from his community found him sitting down in his right mind. He was changed and his transformation from being bound to being free was evident to all!
Are you a woman who has run to Jesus when you saw Him in the distance? Have you run away from sin and run to Jesus to find true freedom? If so, may you find peace and joy in being free.
“…He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” – Mark 5:19
Those of us who have been set free must tell other women that there is a Savior who will clean your wounds, heal your diseases and calm your storms. If you haven’t been set free, don’t wait any longer. The time for freedom is now. Email me back if you’d like a deeper, one-on-one discussion about how to Jesus frees you through baptism. Your first step to a new life is closer than you think! Put one foot in front of the other and run.
#tobeprasied
