In Deep Darkness

Mary Magdalene is one of the Bible’s most infamous women. Some say she was a prostitute and others claim she married Jesus, neither of which is true.

The one thing the Bible tells us plainly is that Mary was possessed by seven demons and that Jesus cast them out of her and set her free. Can you imagine?

Everyone struggles with sinful thoughts, feelings, and actions. They are part of the human condition. In fact, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Though we do not see demoniacs walking around like Jesus saw in His day, it is certainly possible to see evil influences in our world. And in people—like Mary.

It also isn’t hard to imagine the torment someone like Mary might have gone through. A few glimpses of a violent movie or something graphic on the news can help us fill in the blanks. How many of us have a friend or relative with mental illness or addiction? How many of us know people living in despair?

Demonic possession like Mary suffered plunges a person into deep darkness. We don’t know how she came to be possessed, only that she was. Symptoms of possession in that day were loss of control of the body, great strength that no one could control, inability to live in normal society, self-mutilation, and attempts to kill oneself. These give us a glimpse of the torment Mary suffered.

Until she met Jesus.

In the moment Jesus called her by name or somehow commanded the demons to leave, she was free. No more living in darkness.

Mary’s soul filled with light, and her life changed in an instant. She was ready to start a new journey, following the Rabbi who had healed her.

She had much to learn, and she couldn’t wait to get started.

Prayer: Lord, You see all hearts. You know our hidden desperation and the places of darkness in our souls. Rescue us as You did Mary long ago, and take us with You on the journey to get to know You, walk with You, feel Your touch of grace, and be set free.