2024_08_23 Insight Post- Frances Koch
This week’s reading- Matthew 27:56, 61, Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 15:40-47, Mark 16:1-19, Luke 8:1-3, Luke 24:1-12, John 19:25-27, John 20:1-18
Mary Magdalene’s presence in the gospels deeply touches me. She was set free from demons (Luke 8:2b), and she was one of Jesus’ followers who traveled around with Him. My Bible has some notes that say she figures prominently in all the resurrection accounts in the Gospels. In Mark, it says she was the first person to whom He appeared after He rose.
I have a few questions about the whole “set free from demons.”In my own life I realize that I have been in bondage to some ways of thinking that have caused the Gospel to lose its power in my life. Lies like, “That situation will never change,” or “You failed so badly that relationship can never be right,” or “Why would God want to help me when I made this mess I’m in.”
I want to be clear; I don’t believe that a person who knows Jesus personally can be possessed by demons, but I do believe that followers can be afflicted. Jesus desires to come and set us free from the lies the enemy has been telling us. We then experience freedom and abundance in places that were previously dead in our lives.
When Mary was freed, she turned right away and followed Jesus. I think of her loving Jesus so much that she stood watching the terrible ordeal He went through on the cross. She was there to be near Him in that dark moment. Likewise, when she went to the tomb, she wanted simply to honor her Lord and anoint His body with perfumes.
For Mary, her love for Jesus was personal and absolute. She knew Him as the one who loved her enough to set her free. She felt safe, seen, healed, and whole. No wonder she wanted to be where He was.
I believe that as brothers and sisters in Christ, God desires to use others to help break the enemy’s “chains” in our life. The lies I mentioned above didn’t go away in my life without the help of the Unbound ministry here at New Hope. Dedicated people prayed and asked me questions to help me see where God was working to give me life and freedom. Together we asked God to help me repent and then forgive others. I renounced the lies and took authority in Jesus’ name over them. Finally, I asked God’s blessing in my life so I can help others know freedom.
I want to be like Mary. Aware of what Jesus has done for me and earnestly following Him. Not out of obligation, but out of love.
Frances Koch
Prayer Team Member