Dealing with the Strong Man

Scripture – Mark 3:22-30: ²²And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” ²³So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? ²⁴If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. ²⁷In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. ²⁸I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. ²⁹But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” ³⁰He said this because they were saying, “He has an evil spirit.”

Reflection: Who is this “strong man,” and who can tie him up? It’s easy to identify him as Satan. And at a basic level, I think that’s what Jesus means. At the same time, Satan’s strength will be exercised in each of us uniquely. So there are personal things to consider.

In my own life, there are some specific areas of weakness and vulnerability. Satan will work on me at those points, knowing he is stronger than my ability to resist. Left to my own strength, I have no chance.

Jesus Christ is stronger. He can tie up the strong man because He is the strongest man. That’s what Jesus demonstrated through His command over the demons. That’s what He demonstrates daily in my heart.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your protective power. I would be so lost and defeated without you. Please continue holding Satan back. I trust you to do that. You know the areas where I am weakest. Tie up the strong man today.