Jesus' interaction with the man with an unclean spirit in the book of Mark 5: 1-20 is quite instructive in that it gives us a window into the principle of transference of challenges and troubles.
Sad as it sounds, we understand from this reading that troubles can be shifted from one spot to another and challenges can move from one being to a different one.
Hmm! Does that mean that whatever is responsible for the restlessness and oppression that individuals, organizations and nations face, can be relocated to another place? Yes!
The Legions responsible for tormenting the man were moved from his body into pigs, who later drowned.
Why is this important to us?
Troubles and challenges have underlying causes or 'Legions' responsible for them. In addition, people and places often act as 'containers' and 'carriers' for these troubles and challenges.
While it was not mentioned how the Legions got to occupy the man's life, we note from Jesus' comments that the man found mercy in God's sight.
Mercy, of course, is always needed where transgression abounds, and unclean spirits cannot dominate a life truly devoted to God.
Friends, please live Godly and guide your heart. Sin attracts trouble, and ungodliness can open our lives to strange and tormenting spirits.
May another person's trouble not come upon us in Jesus name.
