Mark 5:1-10. They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
Scripture states that idolaters are bound to experience all kinds of suffering throughout their lives. Controlled by unclean spirits, they are drawn to impure things and places. They may even display unusual powers that terrify others. Because evil spirits take over their minds, they are unable to form normal, healthy relationships. Often, they inflict harm upon themselves, both emotionally and physically.
Idolatry is rampant, devastating the lives of individuals, families, nations, and ultimately the world. The Bible explains why: people worship idols because they are separated from God, their true source of happiness and security. Though they may gain material things through idolatry, they find no peace or rest.
In their desperation, they turn to various spiritual activities, but these offer only temporary relief from their present reality. Scripture makes it clear that people live “under the power of the devil” (Acts 10:38) and cannot escape from it on their own.
To save those trapped in idolatry, we must be alert to the real enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We must stay awake in prayer and continue steadfastly in the Word of God. This is the only way to rescue them.
Until the Lord returns (Matthew 25:41), we must fight against the evil one and never let our guard down. We must engage wholeheartedly, single-mindedly, and continually in the gospel movement wherever we are sent.
To this end, let us remain in the Lord and proclaim the gospel of peace and rest — the most powerful way to subdue the aggression of the devil. When the light of the gospel is turned on, the darkness of Satan must flee. Enjoying the Word and prayer is what Scripture calls the filling of the Holy Spirit.
At the cross, Jesus shattered the power of Satan. The Old Testament points to the blood; the New Testament fulfills it at the cross. The blood covenant of the Old Testament has been perfectly fulfilled through Christ’s sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus once for all resolved the problem of idols, sin, and Satan.
To be filled with Jesus, the Christ, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit — the very Spirit of Christ. To overcome the power of Satan, we must be battle-ready:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10–11).
Prayer must remain the top priority in our lives: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).
Always stay on the offensive. Invade the kingdom of Satan through evangelism:
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).
Save those who have fallen into the hands of Satan and the idols he has made. This is the mission of the church we must recover. Only then will the forces of darkness be silenced. Lead those trapped in idolatry to Jesus, that they may receive and believe that He is the Christ. Help them forsake the idols of their lives. Plant the seed of faith in their hearts, healing their minds and spirits with the Word of God. Testify to the greatness of God’s love.
To this end, Jesus has promised to make you like a rock, unshakable. He has given you authority over the forces of darkness — even the power of hell will not overcome you. You have been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, so that through prayer, you may unleash the power of God and accomplish His will. You have been granted the privilege of approaching the throne of grace with confidence.
Enjoy the blessing of walking with Christ daily. Listen for His voice. Do everything in His presence. Live for what matters most — knowing and proclaiming Christ.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for the privilege of worshipping the living God. Make me strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, so that I may stand against the enemy and rescue those ensnared by idolatry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.