Read 2 Samuel 15:13-16:13, Psalm 3 and Mark 5:1-20
“And they came to Jesus, and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the man who had had the legion; and they were afraid… And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their neighbourhood.” (Mark 5:14-17)
To heal a single demoniac, Jesus did not mind the loss of two thousand pigs This teaches us that for God, the life of one man is more valuable than two thousand animals (be it, pig, poultry or cattle). When the herdsmen reported what had happened, the people of the town came out to see that the demoniac had been made well but instead of giving thanks to God, they begged Jesus to depart from their neighbourhood.
All this time, this demon-possessed man had been living a miserable life but now that he was cured, the only thing that the people noticed was the loss of their livestock. They actually valued the pigs more than this man. If they had their way, they would have beat up Jesus but the best they could do was to simply ask him to leave.
How often have I driven God out of my workplace? How often have I gotten angry with people for daring to mention God in my business transactions? Do I believe that the life of one person is worth more than my entire investments? How much care and concern do I show to those suffering from demonic oppression and spiritual bondage?
In our first reading, we see David running like a fugitive from his own son Absalom who had declared himself King of Isreal. David knew the meaning of this. He knew that two kings cannot rule at the same time. He had to run because Absalom was determined to kill him.
How did David fall from being the most powerful man in the kingdom to the point of being a fugitive? By showing a bad example through his affair with Bathsheba, David lost the moral grounds he had over his children. Sin not only affects us, but it also affects those who are looking up to us for mentorship. Be careful what you do whether in the open or in secret. Think twice.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, save me from the mistake of chasing you away from my business. May I not turn money into a god. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Monday of the 4th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 15:13-16:13, Psalm 3 and Mark 5:1-20).