Jesus sets people free, which is a beautiful gift. When all is going well, believers tend to forget what the Lord has done for us and the price He paid for our freedom. Those who are in the bondage of sin and addictions are often the most thankful when Jesus frees them.
I remember hearing a testimony of a person in solitary confinement who was given a Bible and began to read it. The Holy Spirit moved the man to open the Bible and read about a Savior he never knew. As he began to realize who Jesus was and what Jesus had done for him, he began to weep. Jesus began to set him free from spiritual bondage. He was still in prison but felt more free than he ever had. He even began to lead other prisoners to Jesus by talking to them through the air vents.
Hurting people Come to Jesus
News of Jesus spread quickly after He freed a man from a demon in the synagogue. Many came flocking to receive healing.
Mark 1:32 That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33 The whole town gathered at the door to watch. 34 So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. [1]
Some were demon-possessed and others were physically ill, but Jesus transformed their lives. People who were demon-possessed were now set free and could tell others what Jesus had done for them. God has plans for each of His children, those Jesus healed, and us. He wants us set free and transformed when we encounter Jesus. The Lord sets us on a new path beyond what we could imagine.
Living a Transformed Life
Mary Magdalene is an example of a transformed life. Before she was a faithful follower of Jesus, she was in bondage to several demons. Luke 8:1Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. [2]
Whatever situation you are facing today, Jesus can set you free. It could be an addiction, bitterness, unforgiveness, demon possession, or another barrier that seems impossible to overcome. When we call on the name of Jesus, His mighty name makes demons tremble and helps us overcome addictions and other sins that seem to trap us. As you are set free, praise the Lord and tell others what He has done.
To learn how Jesus sets people free, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/power-over-the-demonic
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.