One of my favourite passages in the bible is found in Mark 5: 1-20. This is the story of the demon possessed man who ran towards Jesus when he saw Jesus getting out of the boat after leaving the crowds.
Jesus had been teaching and healing thousands of people, when it seems suddenly he decides to take a boat across the sea and find "the one" that was lost and in need of him.
Meditating on this story I can just visualise this madman (probably a Collingwood Football Club supporter) running towards Jesus with all his might as fast as he can. It would have been a terrifying sight to see a tattered man, with the remains of chains and shackles dragging behind him and blood coming from his self inflicted cuts. I can see the disciples terrified staying in the boat while Jesus spoke to this demon possessed madman.
There is so much in this story which had social and political implications a the time but I like to reflect on the personal story of the madman. Seeing the story through the madman's eyes I reflect on how he must have felt after speaking with Jesus and after what Jesus did for him.
I can see myself being freed from the chains others have put on me with their expectations & traditions. I no longer listen to the voices that tell me I'm not good enough or I'll never measure up. I can feel the wounds I've inflicted on my own soul with these thoughts being healed, and this is just a small snippet of the story.
I am who Jesus sais I am!!
The words below are what I wrote in my prayer journal a few years ago after meditating on the words in Mark 5: 1-20 these words continue to hold true.
ONLY ONE
My chains are broken
You have mercy on me
Even if I was the only one
You would still give your life for me.
Through stormy ocean & the depths of the sea you go to meet me.
Waiting with arms wide open as I run to you from afar.
On my knees worshiping before you
Praising your name
Shouting your glory
Proclaiming your fame
My chains are broken
You're here with me
Holding me close
Embracing me
You tell me you love me
That I'm Precious in your sight
Like diamonds, rubies & sapphires
If I'm the only one
you would still come to find me
Even the grave cant keep you away!
Here at your feet hearing your voice, touching your nail pierced hands is where I want to stay
My Saviour!
My King!
The Captain of the ship that is my life
You guide me to safety through stormy waters & tempest sea
My chains are broken there's no more shame
You hung and died on that cross and took my blame
The only one -
You came to find me & set me free
My heart's on fire
Burning a blaze
I know who I am
I am your child
The precious one!
There's more like me out there precious on your sight
All bound in chains with millstones of sadness sorrow & shame
Desperately, Desperately!! searching for something or someone to light a candle & shine the way to you
So they will also be free
Lord take the veil from my eyes to see them clearly
And let that little light be me.
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