Free Indeed

If you have any acquaintance with the gospel you know about the Gadarene demoniac. This poor man was possessed of a legion of demons and was instantly set free by the Lord Jesus. In fact, his change was so complete that this maniac man was found by the villagers with Jesus “...sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind (Mark 5:15).” This poor man that was once enslaved and tortured by the devils, was now free and in his right mind. In fact he was more than free. He was free indeed, but his freedom is no less than that which we possess that have been saved from Satan, death, and hell by our Lord Jesus Christ. We, like the former Gadarene demoniac, are free indeed.

Notice the change in his desires. “...he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him (Mark 5:18).” Like him we all were enslaved to sin, but now we are free to follow Christ. If you are a Christian, consider what you once were. Were you addicted to drugs? All you wanted to do was to pursue that addiction. You served your master, which was the drugs to which you were addicted, but now Christ has set you free. And it is the same with all sin. Even those that we call minor sins. You are either enslaved to the devil and sin, or, you are a slave of Christ and righteousness. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (Romans 6:22).” You cannot serve two masters, but once Jesus has set you free you are free to follow Him.


Notice, also, the response of his Savior. “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).” If we are free to follow, then we are also free to be led. We cannot call Jesus Lord and tell Him what we will do. It was good for the man that he wanted to stay with Jesus, but it was better for him and the gospel for him to return home. So it is with most of us. Few are called to follow Jesus in ministry, but each of us have our own ministry to family and friends. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).” Do not think less of the Lord because He sends you home to proclaim and be a witness of His good news. The Lord knows how best to put His servants to good use. Live free to be led by Christ your Lord.


Finally, notice the faithful obedience of the man. “And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel (Mark 5:20).” Every follower of Christ is free to show grateful obedience. As you have put your trust in Christ to save you put your trust in Him to obey Him. He knows best and you will find joy in showing your gratitude toward Him by obeying the Lord's every command. Tell everyone what great things God has done for you in Christ. Tell of the forgiveness you have experienced. Tell them of the change that has taken place in your life. Show them the blessedness of being freed by Jesus. Live before them as a faithful servant of Christ Who set you free.


“Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, but Jesus came and listened to me and glory to God, He set me free (He Set Me Free, Albert E. Brumley).” Jesus came to set the captive free. I am one of Jesus' freedmen. I plead with you to come to the Savior in repentance and faith and He will set you free. Then you will know what it is like to be free indeed.