What Jesus Did! 'Satan's Goal' — Mark 5:3-5

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

This man [who was possessed by evil spirits] lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles — as he often was — he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.
— Mark 5:3-5 NLT

Key Thought

So often, the power and influence of the devil are minimized. To believe in a real being behind evil is ridiculed in many circles. Yet Scripture assumes a belief in a real "evil one" that stands behind real evil. What we are able to witness in Mark 5 with this man possessed by evil spirits is the goal of the work of the devil in human lives. He longs to isolate, degrade, and torture those whom he controls. His power is unrelentingly strong, and he uses his strength to hold people in fear because of death. Ultimately, when the evil one gains a foothold in our lives, he leads us to self-destructive behavior. Don't minimize the devil's power or presence. Instead, center your life on Jesus, the one who conquered the evil one's power and broke his death-grip on us.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me if I have ever minimized evil and the devil's power exerted through it. Thank you for sending Jesus to destroy the devil's hold on my life. Give me the strength to resist the devil's attacks and give me the strength to overcome his influence in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 5:3-5 NLT — Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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