Mark 16:9: "He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils."
Thought: When Jesus speaks -- listen and obey -- even the demons do
Reflection: A word from the Lord can turn delirium to delight through deliverance
Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only, but seven. These dreadful inmates caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She could not help herself, neither could any human provisions or processes avail.
But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, he uttered the word of power. At once, Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the healing power of Jesus. All the seven demons left her, left her never to return, forcibly ejected by the Lord of all. What a blessed deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven!
She became a constant follower of Jesus, catching his every word, following his treacherous path - following his steps, sharing his toilsome life; and withal she became one of his grateful women who ministered unto him of their substance.
When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained and shared his shame: we find her first beholding from afar, and then drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus, but she stood as near as she could, and when his blessed body was taken down, she watched to see how and where he was laid. She was the faithful and watchful believer. She was the last at the tomb where Jesus slept. She was the first at the grave whence he arose. Her holy fidelity made her a favored beholder of her beloved Rabboni, who deigned to call her by her name, and to make her his messenger of good news to his disciples.
Grace found her a maniac and made her a minister. Grace cast out devils and gave her the ability to behold angels. Grace delivered her from Satan and united her forever to the Lord Jesus. May we all be such miracles of grace!
Who do you say Jesus is?
Prayer: Father in heaven show me your grace. I seek you. I need you. I cry out to you in the midst of the maniacal chaos of this life I am living. I seem to be in a mad dash to destroy myself. Stop me. Hold me. Help and deliver me from the enemy who has tricked and deceived me into thinking that sex, drugs, crime, music and violence will solve my troubles. Forgive me Lord I need You. Visit my situation as you did Mary. Remove, dissolve, redirect all of the thoughts, actions and attitudes that are against You in my life. Help me to show Your love moving in my life as I share and testify to others of how good You are. I pray and give thanks in the name of the One who gave his life so that I may be free, Christ Jesus. Amen.
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