June 26

Depart from Us

And the people began to beg Jesus to leave their region. — Mark 5:17 BSB

This is one of the saddest moments in the Gospels—people asking Jesus to leave. He had come to their coast with rich blessings. His hands were full of gifts. He had the power to heal, restore, and perform miracles of love. Yet, after He cast out demons from a man, the people asked Him to depart. Likely, it was because they were upset about the loss of their swine. If that was the cost of Christ’s work, they didn’t want Him around.

Even today, some people feel the same when Christianity affects their business or lifestyle. Those profiting from harmful enterprises oppose the work of grace because it threatens their way of life. All of us, in different ways, are tempted to send Christ away when He interferes with our cherished plans or comforts. But when He is asked to go, He will leave. Jesus does not stay where He is not wanted. And when He leaves, so do His blessings. The people who rejected Him missed out on healing, restoration, and life.

We need to ask ourselves if we ever reject Christ’s presence in our lives. Do we push Him away when His teachings challenge our desires? Does Jesus still turn away from hearts that refuse to welcome Him?