Mark 6:47-52
“Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.”
Mark 6:47-52 NIV
The image of a ship being tossed around the sea in a storm is a universal image. It shows up in famous paintings, well-known novels, and in popular movies. It also appears in multiple places throughout the Bible.
This image resonates with each of us because we know what it’s like to be tossed about by the storms of life.
These verses are a good illustration of the life of discipleship. It was not through stubborn self-will, but through direct obedience to the Lord’s command, that the disciples found themselves in this plight. Thus the storm in now. It showed that they had deviated from the path of God’s will. God’s path for them lay through the storm, to the other shore of the lake. Moreover, it appeared as if the Lord had forgotten them, they were alone, at night, making heavy weather with the rowing.
We will face adversity and hardship. Following Christ does not mean an exemption from suffering. Following Christ will sometimes lead us directly into a position of suffering and hardship. We should not be surprised to encounter times of suffering. When we follow Jesus, adversity and hardship will be part of the path.
There are going to be times when we’re at the end of our own resources. The picture of the disciples straining at the oars is a good one for us. There are going to be times that we are working very hard but seemingly making very little progress. Reaching the point of helplessness and desperation is actually a step forward spiritually.
There will be times that Jesus seems absent. We will be in the storm and it will seem like God has abandoned us.
Where would you be and what circumstances would lead you to fear being abandoned? Jesus will be there. That's a significant part of the message here. In the middle of the storm in a familiar place in a storm with people you know and love and yet feel so helpless and alone, Jesus will meet you. If you will call out to Him and trust His desire to come to you and to help you, you will see Him there. Don't fear the storm. Don't be disconsolate because of the fear in the eyes of those around you. Jesus will meet you in the storm and keep you safe in His arms.
While we don’t know exactly why He was going to pass them by, however, we do know that He adapted and changed His plans, responding to their obvious need.
But what, precisely, is their need? Is it for a calm wind, or settled hearts? They are again afraid, you see, terrified by the presence of Jesus because when they saw Him walking on the water they assumed it was a ghost. It’s often like that, I think, with things beyond our experience. Lacking a category by which to process something, we are terrified.
And so he calls out. “Take heart: it is I; do not be afraid.”
Has Jesus done that for you? Oh, perhaps not walking on water to step into a boat, but perhaps through the phone call of a friend to see how you’re doing, or through the concern of a child or the love of a parent, or maybe through the caress of a loved one, the prayers of a neighbor, or even the sermon or hymn of a church service.
The scenes are familiar, yet different. For we find ourselves in need many times, yet often in slightly different ways, and Jesus always reaches out, sometimes in unexpected ways. And at times the very unexpectedness or even ordinariness may surprise us. But the intent and impact are the same: “Take heart: it is I; do not be afraid!!!”
Father thank You for this day and for being our anchor in the storm. Lord open the storehouses of Your abundant blessings pour them out over my friend and family today. Lord, give people what they need most, new hearts. Lord thank You that You keep changing hearts. And You keep changing us. Lord give us patience and sensitivity to those that are still seeking You, Lord draw them to You. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya!
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