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.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:10-12
  • Hebrews 2:14-15
  • 1 Peter 5:8

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Identity Theft?
Article by Phil Ware
Don't let Satan rob you of your identity in the Lord. We are God's children; let's not let anything steal away our identity!
Legion No More!
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus came to bring us freedom from bondage to Satan and his power. Phil Ware reminds us the battle we are in with Satan with our lives and how Jesus can end our bondage to him.
My Deliverer Is Coming!
Article by Phil Ware
What is the Phil Ware continues with his series on The Story focusing on the What Is and Who Is and the Why Is of Jesus' coming.

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'One Event, Two Stories' (Acts 12:4-5)
"Then [Herod] imprisoned [Peter], placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Be Glad in God's Presence' (Ps. 68:2)
"Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Freedom and Forgiveness'
"Dear Believer, The verses you read today are from Paul's sermon in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. As a rabbi trained by the respected Gamaliel..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Deeds of the Flesh' (Ga. 5:19-21)
"Dear Father, opposer of all that is evil, Help me to stay away from those things which are clearly works of the flesh: immorality, impurity,..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!