And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” Mark 5:7
In the workplace, many people fear the head boss coming around. They often feel that the boss is only going to torture them with negative criticism and giving them more work to do. As a result, they do not want the boss to come near them and wonder why the boss is around.
Mark records that there was a man who was possessed by demons that when he saw Jesus coming up to him, he asked what He had to do with him, and that Jesus would not torture him.
Guilt of having done something wrong will always bring about fear of getting caught and punished for what was done. The expectation is that the one in authority will punish severely for wrongs done. There is very little expectation of mercy or forgiveness.
The world likes to strike back when a wrong is done. Punishment is supposed to be severe to keep one from doing the wrong again.
This feeling is often projected onto Jesus and the Father. God’s presence comes around, and people fear being tortured for the sin in their lives. People wonder what God has to do with them and why He is around.
Instead of being there to torture, Jesus shows up to bring healing and forgiveness. His desire is to restore one to a true and abundant life, not torture and death as the world does. As one gets to know Jesus, one will learn of His great love and compassion. Fear will be tossed out and lives will be changed and made new because of the perfect love extended.
You may have times in which you fear God’s presence because of sinful things in your life or what you have done. Do not allow fear of Him being there to torture you to keep you from His presence.
Run up to Him and worship Him. Allow God to come into your life and remove all the sin and guilt that has built up. Learn the love of God that brings about forgiveness and true life. Jesus approaches to give you an abundant life that will last for all eternity, not to destroy you or torture you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will not fear the presence of God; that you will know God’s love for you; that you will allow God to forgive you of your sins; and that God’s presence will change your life.
Photo by Hédi Benyounes on Unsplash
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