"A crazed man strong enough to break heavy chains lurks in the darkness of a cemetery. His body, ravaged with self-inflicted wounds, twists and turns with every shriek and growl.” This sounds like the beginnings of a terrifying work of fiction, right? Only, it’s not. Open your bible with me to Mark chapter 5. This story unfolds in the region of Gerasenes, located near the eastern shore of Galilee. "When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.” Mark 5: 2-4
Let’s pause for a moment and think about this scene. Think about how heavy a cast iron pan is. Do you think you could break it if you tried? That is most likely the material that was used for the chains that could not bind this man. He was so tightly bound by the enemy that he dwelled among the dead. His physical strength may have rivaled that of Sampson’s in the Old Testament, but it was of demonic power, an evil stronghold that, ironically, he could not free himself away from.
Let’s keep reading, "With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” (verses 7-8)
Friend, let me tell you, I am so thankful that I serve a God who can break EVERY chain! The chains of torment, the chains of doubt, the chains of resentment, the chains of bitterness…you name the chain and then declare victory in the name of Jesus over it!
Now, one of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 43:1-3a (NLT). "But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Some of these chains, you’ve carried them for years, some of these chains have bound your family through generations, some of these chains have written a story around your name that you wish you could erase. You can’t break them or erase the damage, you’ve tried and tried again. You’re tired, you feel weak. Maybe some of you feel there is no more hope. You weren’t meant to stay bound down to your sinful nature or to stay pierced by the painful arrows shot by the enemy.
Luke 4: 18-19 (NLT) says, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come.” Our Redeemer came to set the captive free! That’s YOU, that’s ME! Jesus signed HIS NAME to the check that PAID to the order of: “Your Name.” And on that memo line, he wrote off your oppressions, he wrote off your addictions and afflictions, he wrote off every sinful spot of shame that has tarnished your name. And let me just say right now that the check cleared the bank when he stretched out his arms on the cross in the greatest display of love ever proclaimed on this earth to solidify that purchase! And if you believe in Jesus, then I’d like to extend a “congratulations” because you are now paid in full and debt-free! Amen!
Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV) Your hope begins when you drop the weights at the feet of Jesus. Call out to Emmanuel, one of God’s many names meaning, "God with us." Friend, today, I pray that you submit yourself before God Almighty, and let the powerful name of Jesus break every chain and re-write your name.
For more help in healing from your hurts, breaking bondages, and finding accountability, I highly recommend the Celebrate Recovery. Many churches offer this successful ministry, including my own, Southside Baptist Church in Warner Robins, GA. For more information, please visit celebraterecovery.com.
And one last thing, keep your lamp full of oil because Jesus is coming soon!
-Lacey
What chains are you bound by or, what story have your chains written around your name? It's time for you to be set free by the chains that bind and step into the freedom Jesus offers. Let's talk about the chains that keep you bound in the comments below.
About Lacey:
Lacey and her husband, Jason, have been married almost eight magical years and have two beautiful children, Judah and Scarlett. She is a marketing specialist by day for a local museum and loves making a mess in the kitchen and teaching her children how to cook. Lacey has a passion for the ministry through her writings on personal life experiences and applying biblical truths and is an “At The Table” Ministry Leader through Living Truth Collective. She and her family call Southside Baptist Church, in Warner Robins, GA, their home.
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