Territoriality refers to the behavioral pattern of defending a specific, claimed area or space against intruders, commonly observed in animals, humans, and political entities. It involves creating boundaries to exert control, ensure security, or manage resources.
“They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.”
Mark 5:1-3,14-15
We know the famous story of the mad man of Gadara in Mark chapter 5. As I pondered over the facts of the story, there were many thoughts that came into mind. The mad man of Gadara was demon-possessed, but this was no regular possesion. It was to the extent that he cried out day and night and cut himself with Stones. No one could bind him, even in chains he would break loose. Here is the scary part, this man was under the demon-possession of the territory considering the matter. Because hear this, the Bible says the demons begged Jesus not to cast them out of the country, not just out of the man but the country . The herdsmen of the territory upon witnessing the turn out of event, begged Jesus to leave. Is it not rather strange that they would rather have Jesus gone out of their country than rejoice over such a miracle?
Beloved, this is where I am driving at, a territory can be under such bondage that even its people, reckon the operation of such as the norm. While the man who had been possessed asked Jesus to stay, his fellows would rather have Him gone. From the beginning of the story one lesson I also realized is that , the mind of this man was already under bondage, hence chains were of no use. This makes the battle against the mind so evident. When one’s mind is already lose to the territoriality of the enemy, physical bondage is of no use. The captivity seen here, also demonstrates the captivity of the territory. For others, their estate may have not been as the demon-possessed man, but their resistance against change as regards the demons being driven out, was of much concern. An entire territory can be so captured and under possesion that it seems to them more profitable. Realize that in Mark 4 , Jesus and his disciples encounter a storm before coming to the country of the Gerasenes. It is no surprise that such a hinderance was encountered to stop the deliverance.
In our world today, many are overwhelmed, exhausted by the state and operation of the system of Babylon at work. Daily they cry out seeking freedom from the torment of thoughts of responsibilities accrued upon them. Many distract themselves under diverse set ups, whereby they fall into acceptance of that state and see no problem with it. They begin to exercise territoriality, and rise against any sign of change. They become comfortable and accept the limitations placed over their minds and pursuits. Hereby, we realize that even a territory can have impact on our minds. The so called traditions, norms, way of life have been circumvented through systems as seen in the definition afore-mentioned. No wonder Romans 12:2, reckons the importance of renewing your mind, the only means made possible to discern the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.
The system of Babylon at play in our world today can only be overcome by the God-life. The war against a sound mind, besides factors as mentioned in our first lesson, also are the cares of life. The worries and cares of life are in no way deemed of no essence, however they are not to serve as a burden. The chaos you experience in your mind are certainly not God’s will for you as formally admonished in our previous study. Operating in a sound mind helps you come to the place of total surrender and serenity to do as the Lord will. When the man of Gadera was delivered, the Bible says he then went on to proclaim to his territory what Jesus had done for him. What an amazing turn around, from being demon-possessed to a witness and an evangelist. Yes, his God ordained purpose was realized, that is the beauty of a sound mind.
Beloved , we live in a corrupted world, everything it has to offer only leads to further doom. I beseech you today, by the Word of God, come out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then He will welcome you, and will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Him, says the Lord Almighty(2 Corinthians 6:17-18). The operation of Babylon is not the way of the kingdom man or woman, the Lord is calling us into a higher life, one where true freedom can be experienced. Will you respond?