“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bands apart.”
Psalm 107:14
Chains. Such a vivid symbol – especially for any having worn them; the weight, the regrets and humiliation…
In prison ministry, you learn to identify with the chains of others – recognizing their burdens. Having spent their whole lives trapped in cycles of self-abuse, cycling in and out of chains, many feel rejected, as if their lives and their future are over and they have nothing to offer. Why? Because society fears getting involved. Mark 5:6-7 (NKJV) notes a man, who encountering Christ – “…cried with a loud voice saying, ‘What have I to do with you Jesus, Son of The Most High God, I implore you by God, do not torment me,’…”
Real name unknown, we call him Legion…identifying him by his self-afflictions… his demons. It is no coincidence this man’s true name is not recorded, for history is filled with nameless Legions fighting the good fight of faith on many fronts, from the trenches of outright persecution to the emotional frontlines of everyday struggles. As Legion, we all bear our own forms of chains and demons; feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, and inner fears of torment. Most can relate to this man whose problems were Legion, as ours sometimes seem to be.
Legion’s story is the story of a man’s internal struggle with himself, his self-identification with inner demons. Sometimes, when viewing God from a distance, we often worry about what He thinks of us. Though worshipping before Him, we struggle with personal value, “How could He ever use me… I’m still struggling with my own demons…” – or, blame God for our circumstances while crying out for mercy – “What part could I ever have in you?”
Yet, Christ came specifically for this man for a reason, choosing one who had been in and out of chains, bearing demons from his past. Christ required a chain-breaker, to be able to teach others to break chains in worship.
Legion’s story shows how the world’s problems cannot be solved by simply confining individuals; it lies in inner convictions. A man must relinquish control of his demons to Christ if he ever expects to control them. Likewise, we must learn to recognize them, the nameless Legions in society, for injustices borne by one eventually manifests to all through its effects. People simply learn what they live out, as all injustice stems from mans’ willful ignorance of the sufferings of others.
As Legion, Christ reminds us of the truth and of our purpose. Compassion, forgiveness, and mercy can do what chains cannot…provide hope for a second chance. Sometimes all it takes for rehabilitation is someone willing to invest time in another.
Somewhere, someone needs you to hear them…needs you to be that chain-breaking messenger Christ purposed you to be. Feared, overlooked, downtrodden – their names forgotten, far too many are identified by their past, the demons borne, or chains worn. The Word, however, has not forgotten. The afflicted, individual or society, Jesus knows –
My name is Legion…for WE are many.
