The Seven Demons of Mary Of Magdala

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first of Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.”  Mark 16:9

“Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.  And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities–Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons…..”  Luke 8:1-2

Broken
Mental illness is a worldwide epidemic.  

T.S. Elliot wrote in The Hollow Men these profound words:

Those who have crossed
With direct eyes, to death’s other Kingdom
Remember us-if at all- not as lost
Violent souls, but only
As the hollow men
The snuffed men
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but with a whimper.

A Hollow Life

As an example, this was the life of Mary of Magdala prior to encounter with Jesus:  Seven demons according to the Scriptures. Can you imagine a more “hollow life?” Seven is the number representing completeness.  Her entire life consumed by this torment: Emotional, psychological, mental, physical, spiritual, relational, and familial. There was no area of her life untouched.  

Touched

The hope of Mary’s life is her encounter with Jesus.  One touch and she is fully, completely, miraculously restored.  She just needed JESUS!!! There is little doubt her suffering would have robbed her of life had she not met the Savior for in the eyes of the world her condition was hopeless.  A lost cause. A wasted life.

Jesus saw her as His sister, as the daughter of His Father, and  He saw her potential. Jesus saw the woman who would NEVER forsake Him even at the risk of ridicule or death.

Gratitude

As a result of her healing Mary’s GRATITUDE became her mantra.  She followed the Lord to the cross, heralded His resurrection, supported the ministry of the gospel, and walked in “a garment of praise” (Isaiah 61:1-3)  Her life became productive, vibrant, and joyful. Mary was loved! Her place in history forever secured, because she she faced some challenges “she never wanted!”  (Susan Browder’s post 1/22/19)

Mission

Could it be that we are missing an opportunity to bring hope and healing to a huge population of our society because we see only the expression of the illness and not the individual created in the image of God.  We are commanded by Jesus to do the works He did. May we look at others through the lens of Jesus eyes and offer the Savior who alone can save, redeem, restore, and resurrect a life others believe to be hopeless.

https://youtu.be/ky0qN5o2M6Q

Mark Schultz Broken  and Beautiful