BY REV. DORAL PULLEY
Mark 5:1-20
We all have had a demon or two. Demons are negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, erroneous ideas, self-defeated words and unhealthy actions that need to be cast out. The man in the text had a legion of demons. He was experiencing mental and spiritual trauma that manifested itself in physical ways such as: voice alterations, cutting, nudity, unusual strength and fits of rage. His family members, friends and people of the community did not know how to handle him so he was isolated to graveyard living. He needed deliverance.
Deliverance is when God snatches us out of situations that we can’t handle on our own. Sometimes we are so deep in circumstances and addictions (sex, drugs, food, gambling, shopping, cigarettes, etc.) that we need divine intervention. God has given us (human beings) authority and power on the earth; however, when we have exhausted all possible human resources, it’s time for deliverance. Jesus spoke to the demons (personified negativity) that were oppressing and possessing the young man and performed an exorcism. There was a manifestation of deliverance. The man’s life was redeemed, “he was clothed and in his right mind.”
No matter what our predicament or what is holding us bound, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the authority that is in the name of Christ Jesus and the principles of the Word of God, we can experience deliverance. It is important that we share this good news with everyone we know who might be bound. The truth is that we are all called to live a life of freedom. God is able to deliver us from any bondage. “He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (Psalm 40:2).”
Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.
