The Gift of Freedom
The Gift of Freedom || Day 3
Matthew 8:23-34 NKJV
"Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region."
Freedom comes to those who want freedom and not just those who need it.
When we read the story of the Gadarene demoniac in the book of Matthew, he gives us a revelation that Luke and Mark do not. Matthew tells us there were two men full of demons. Matthew tells us there were two men living in the tombs, who came out, exceedingly fierce, who would not allow anyone to pass by.
However, when we read the same story in the book of Mark and Luke, we know only one was set free. Beloved everyone needs freedom, but not everyone wants it. There are people who need freedom from all types of bondages and vices, but the truth is, not all want it. Everyone who comes to Jesus and wants freedom receives freedom.
Regardless of what the bondage is, regardless of how long you have had it, regardless of how strong it is in your life, if you come and humble yourself before Jesus today and WANT freedom, you will receive freedom today. The Bible says whom the Son makes free is free indeed!
Further reading: Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:22-39, John 8:36