Then I read Spurgeon’s devotional about a woman who had been possessed by seven demons. While this might bring to mind the horrors of movies that tend to be released in October, the Bible does not describe the ways in which these demons affected Mary. I can only conclude that since Satan is a liar and destroyer (Jesus’ description), she was likely caught up in deception and some form of self-destructive behavior. However, Jesus changed all that. She now holds a special place as the first woman to see Him after He rose from the dead.
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (Mark 16:9)When I read Spurgeon’s description of Mary, I wept. Many of the people on my prayer list seem to be “impossible” as far as my vision can see. They have no interest in God, use the name of Jesus only to curse, and are caught up in self-destructive lifestyles. Yet what Jesus did for Mary shows me that none of these whom I care about are beyond the reach of His grace. I paraphrase Spurgeon slightly, but this is what he writes:
Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only, but seven. These dreadful inmates caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She could not help herself, neither could any human assistance, but Jesus passed that way. Unasked for and probably resisted by the demoniac, He spoke and Mary became a trophy of His healing power.
All seven demons left her, never to return. What a deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven!
Immediately she became a follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His steps, sharing His toilsome life. She became His generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women who ministered to Him of their substance.
When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, Mary remained and shared His shame. She first looked on from afar, then drew near to the foot of the cross. She could not die with Him, but remained as close as she could. When His body was taken down, she watched where it was laid. She was last at the sepulcher where Jesus was buried and there first when He arose.
Her holy faithfulness put her at the side of Jesus on that glad resurrection morning. He called her by name and made her His messenger. She took the good news to His trembling disciples and Peter.
Grace found Mary a maniac and made her a minister. Grace cast out devils and granted her the first look a her risen Savior. Grace delivered her from Satan and united her forever to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Lord, Spurgeon ends by saying, “May I also be such a miracle of grace!” I want that too! And I also yearn for Your incredible saving grace to fall on so many others who are caught in sin, some even caught in the power of evil so deep that their release seems impossible. Mary is only one example that proves no one or nothing is impossible for You. May Your miracle of grace be freely poured out on so many who are still like Mary once was. Like her, I want to see firsthand Your life-giving power in their lives.
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