I Am Rahab… Battling Old Demons

by, JC Miller

Mary Magdalene, the one cleansed of seven demons. Could anything in her life ever make her feel like more of an outcast? Most commentators agree that the seven demons were most likely the severity of her problems. The number seven symbolically refers to completeness. Likewise, the Gospel authors probably suggested that Mary was filled or overwhelmed with demons, thus highlighting the miraculous nature of Jesus’ cure.

Luke 8:1–2

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna… Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Why is the Mary Magdalene story vital to us today? Not only was Mary a seven-time failure, the first witness of the risen Christ, and a symbol that a divine being can move through both women and men uninhibitedly, she teaches us today through her obedient servanthood how faith works. How many years did Mary suffer from the afflicting demons that plagued her life? Even a woman of her financial standing couldn’t afford the cleansing of her soul. With nothing left, Mary decided to see the charismatic Nazarite of whom she heard miraculous things. In her desperate search for freedom, Jesus’ inspirational message spoke to her. Tormented, she took her chances and laid her problems at His feet. It possibly took only a touch, a word, or maybe even a glance by Him, but at that moment, He cured Mary. She then decided to believe in the young carpenter. Mary Magdalene learned that testing is challenging, but the result should be a deeper relationship with your Savior.

My Name is Mary Magdalene follows a woman’s life as each of her demons are identified through her long battle with depression and how faith changed her trajectory. Depression is not the fault of the person suffering; it is a condition that can refine your faith; it is not a punishment.

John 9:1-3

As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” His disciples asked Him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”

It’s easy to get oversaturated with the concerns of life and forget to look to and acknowledge the creator of life. We have to believe that the Word of God is holding us up more than we are trying to hold Him! God’s love has a way of unfolding and enfolding us at the same time.

There is no genie in the bottle answer for depression and other mental illnesses; manifestations of every condition are specific to each individual. Not everyone responds to treatment in the same ways, and it might take some time to find the most effective approach. I know it’s hard to motivate yourself to start living more healthily, and it is always easier to give up. Still, depressive episodes or other mental health conditions may not improve until you get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Your bad days may be more bearable if you look after your body and your mind.

Please consider the resource below if you or someone you know deals with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Until next time, I leave you with this: when you’re hanging on by a thread, make sure it’s the thread from the hem of the Almighty’s garment. Because…WE are Rahab too!

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders