No Negotiation

When the enemy couldn’t stop Jesus with the storm in Mark 4, he tried to negotiate a compromise with Jesus in Mark 5. He would leave the demon possessed man as long as he could remain in the territory.

Often the enemy will do the same in our lives. If we can’t stop us from getting to where God wants us to be, he will then try to get us to compromise our values or identity when we are in that place. He will seek to negotiate with us so that he can still have some territory in our lives.  That’s why Paul says, “Do not give the devil a foothold.“ That’s all the enemy needs - just a little space in our lives from which he can operate.  From there he will affect and infect every other part of us. 

Jesus not only cleared the man of every demon - once they entered the herd of pigs he sent them over a cliff because he wanted to clear the entire territory.

Jesus has delivered you and set you free through His blood.  Do not give any place or space to the enemy in your life. Don’t negotiate with evil. Don’t compromise with sin. The devil only needs a foothold from which he will build a stronghold.  Keep your territory clear and clean of all enemy activity.  Enjoy your freedom in Christ!

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Mark 5:1-13

“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. a When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 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. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 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!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”