Easter Devotional
You have a Savior who knows you
Sr. Minister Michael V. Mallick
Jefferson Street Christian Church
 

[April 11, 2017]  At Jefferson Street Christian Church we are currently working through the Gospel of Mark. In chapter 5 Jesus met a man who was demon possessed. This man needed help and deliverance. His situation was so extreme the text tells us, that he lived among the dead and no one could bind him, not even with chains.

When Jesus met the man He said, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” Before driving out the evil spirits He asks them, “What is your name? My name is Legion, he replied, for we are many.” - Mark 5:9

I have always thought it a bit interesting that Jesus would ask that question. After all Jesus is God. He knew what was wrong with this man – he was possessed. But once the demons were identified then Jesus healed the man, which brought about his transformation.

Perhaps the lesson for us is exactly the same: until we identify our demons/issues that trouble and hamper us, and openly share them with Jesus, they will continue to constrict our hearts preventing us from experiencing true freedom and total transformation.

It doesn’t take long to realize that what the Bible says is true – no one is sinless. - Romans 3:23 And no matter how hard we try we cannot free ourselves from our sin sickness. Resolutions give way. Promises fail. Trying harder is an effort in futility.

All of these things are what Dallas Willard calls “sin management.” We use our own effort and strength to try to control sin but nothing works. While change on the outside might work on Sunday mornings, it still leaves us empty and restless the other six days of the week.

By relying on our own efforts only, the authentic and abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10 will remain elusive and unattainable.

But the Bible also reminds us that by identifying and naming the sins that constrain us, it helps us to live a transformed life.

At Easter we celebrate the bodily resurrection of Jesus and His defeat of death by coming forth from the tomb. His resurrection reminds us that we too can experience a life of renewal and complete change. But similar to the man in Mark 5, He asks us to name the issue(s) that hold us back from a life of transformation and resurrection.

He knows you by name and recognizes the unique issues that need attention in your life. Whatever is holding you back from authentic transformation openly acknowledge it/them to Jesus. Whether it is fear, guilt, shame, disappointment, etc. He has the power and strength to free you from anything that hinders and keeps you from experiencing a life of transformation.