Bible Reading: Numbers 5&6; Mark 4:1-2
“No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strongman; and then he will spoil his house” – Mark 3:27 (KJV).
The strong man is the spirit that controls the affairs and destiny of a people. He has such a powerful influence over the people, such that he could orchestrate events in the territory where he is in charge. When man fell, he transferred his authority and dominion on earth to satan. He became subject to satan and his demons. Satan became the god of this world or the strong man over the world. To make for effective control and management, satan assigned his agents or demons to control territories and communities, all these demons report to him what happens in their territory as they wield their negative influence. In order to spoil the works and control of satan, Jesus had to legally enter planet earth so he can bind the devil, spoil his works and liberate the captives.
At redemption, Jesus destroyed the dominion and authority of satan over man and liberated man from satan’s captivity. “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” – Colossians 2:15 (KJV). Jesus first bound the strongman and spoilt his house. When Jesus rose from the grave, he arose with some saints held captive. “And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints which slept arose” – Matthew 27:52 (KJV). The saints that arose were part of the spoils of his victory. “Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” – Ephesians 4:8 (KJV). Jesus then empowered the believers to bind the devil and to cast out demons, and spoil their works by setting the captives free. “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of diseases” – Matthew 10:1 (KJV).
A true Christian who knows his place in the new creation is meant to be the strong man over his community, because he has been empowered by Christ to exercise dominion.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I take authority over the strong man in my community.
Rev. Vincent Diolu