The Power That Frees You

Have you ever heard of “The Power Team?” This is a group of men who are known for their amazing acts of physical strength. They rip thick telephone books in two. They bend steel bars with their bare hands. They break chains in half. They are a real sight to see.
While, human strength can be built up to demonstrate mighty Herculean feats, there are some chains which can only be broken by God. In the story from Luke 8:26-39, we see Jesus dealing with a man who is possessed by demons. In our world, we find it hard to fathom someone who is possessed by demons. Today, we know that there are so many physical and psychological diagnoses that the thought of possession harkens back to a non-enlightened understanding of medicine. But, putting all of that aside, Luke tells us that this man is possessed by demons who call themselves Legion. This man exhibits the destructive behavior of the evil inside of him. He causes anguish to himself and to those around him. The Locals have tried to restrain him with chains, but to no avail. He finds himself isolated and alone due to his behavior. In this situation, only Jesus Christ and His power can restore this man and rid him of the demons.
Evil has no power over God. As soon as the demons realize that it is Christ with who they are engaged, they cry out for mercy and beg Jesus not to destroy them. While the month of October is full of Halloween movies and images of scary things, none of that has real power over those who love the Lord. Evil cannot simply possess an individual. People who are possessed have submitted to such and allow Satan to control their lives, either consciously or unconsciously. Christ intercedes for those who love Him and breaks those chains which hold us from living the lives that God has chosen for each person. Once the man from Gerasene was healed, he pleaded with Jesus that he might go with Jesus. Surprisingly, Jesus refuses the request and tells the man to return home and tell others what God had done.
When I read this story, I do not think of anyone who has returned from demonic possession, but I think of all those people, including myself, who have been profoundly impacted by God’s grace, love, and renewal. If you are honest with yourself, you know that you are one of these people too. When has God stepped into your life and changed things? I suspect that you have many stories of God’s work in your life. Now… have you done what Christ commanded concerning your story(ies)? Go tell!!! Tell others what God had done for you! Until next time, Blessings!