No Longer Slaves to Fear

In our lesson this weekend from Mark 5:1 - 20 (The Voice), we encountered Jesus healing a man possessed by a legion of demons. Jesus and His disciples arrive in the region of the Gerasenes, where they meet a man who lives among the tombs and is bound by chains, yet no one can subdue him. When Jesus commands the unclean spirits to come out, they recognize Him and beg to be sent into a herd of pigs. Jesus permits it, and the demons enter the pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. The healed man wants to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to go home and tell his friends what the Lord has done for him.  

This story reminds us of Jesus' authority over evil and His power to bring about transformation and deliverance. The man who was once tormented and isolated is now clothed and in his right mind, ready to share his testimony with others. It reminds us that no matter how broken or bound we may feel, Jesus has the power to set us free and give us a new purpose.  

When I look back over my life, I can see how far Jesus has brought me.  I am free from the pain of divorced parents, physical challenges from having scoliosis, broken personal relationships, substance abuse, and at times poor self-esteem.  Anger, bitterness, self-doubt, and fear are in my rearview mirror.  Today, I know with every fiber of my being that I am loved by God and set free to point others to a life of love as well.

The praise song "No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music speaks about breaking free from fear and finding freedom in God’s love, much like the man who was freed from the demons in our Gospel reading.  It’s a powerful declaration of our identity as children of God and Jesus’ ability to transform and deliver us – all of us, no matter how battered we are by this life.  In Christ, we are truly set free!

The lyrics of the chorus are:  

I’m no longer a slave to fear  

I am a child of God  

Let us be set free from our fear and instead choose the way of love. God can and will deliver you as you trust in him to transform you from the inside out. Take a moment to listen to this powerful song.  May the words ring true for you.  

Listen:  

No Longer Slaves by Jonathan and Melissa Hesler (Bethel Music)

Reflection Questions:  

1. How does this passage reveal Jesus' authority and compassion?  

2. What chains or strongholds in your life need to be broken by Jesus' power?  

3. How can you share the ways Jesus has transformed your life with others?  

Prayer:  

Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your immense power and compassion. Just as You delivered the man possessed by demons, we ask that You deliver us from the things that bind us and keep us from living fully in Your grace. Help us to trust in Your authority over all things and to have faith that You can bring transformation and healing into our lives. Give us the courage to share our testimonies with others, so they too may come to know Your love and power. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.