STRUGGLE!

Friday, August 30, 2019

STRUGGLE!

Mark 6:45-51

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

           This is one of my favorite portions of Scripture! It is full of instruction regarding our struggle in this world and our relationship to Jesus. Let’s highlight a few things this morning.

           This difficult voyage began as an act of obedience! The word “constrained” is the Greek anagkazo and means “to necessitate.” It was a command. Just because you are obedient does not guarantee a trouble-free journey. In fact, obedience can set off a torrent of opposition and trouble. The answer is not disobedience.

           Obeying God is sometimes inconvenient! The fourth watch, by Roman reckoning, is from 3am to 6am. These would be the hours the body and mind should be resting – not rowing.

           Jesus observes our struggles! “He saw them toiling!” I believe this is the only time the word “toiling” appears in the Bible! It is not a sin to struggle. It is not a sign that God has left you alone. It is a sign that you are moving in a direction in opposition to the current. That lonely feeling is a desire for God to bring peace. He’s watching. Never forget that.

           Jesus may allow you to struggle for a while! “He would have passed by them!”  At first glance this seems cruel, but it was meant to encourage them. He was not going to ignore them but to show himself to them. As you struggle watch for signs of God.

           Nothing happened until they saw Jesus! Jesus observed them in their struggles, but nothing changed until they saw Him. Nothing happened until they cried out! They thought Jesus was a ghost, a phantasma, walking on the water. Perhaps the spirit of some poor sailor lost in such a storm as they were in. Their terror was not at seeing Jesus but in misunderstanding what they were seeing. Ignorance can be terrifying.

           Jesus spoke immediately! Verse 50 says: “And immediately He talked with them.” He did not return the shout! He spoke what I think were soothing words. “Calm down boys. Everything will be alright. Quit screaming like a bunch of girls.” Well, maybe not those exact words, but something that would have calmed them and given them courage.

           Jesus identified himself! He said: “It is I; be not afraid.” At some point in your struggle; probably at the point of panic; Jesus will identify himself to you. You will be convinced at His presence. You will know it will be alright even as the wind continues to blow.

           Jesus joined them! He went up into the ship. The result was that the wind settled down and the sea became calm. The disciples were completely amazed. The word “wondered” actually means “to admire.” The result of all their struggles was that Jesus was elevated in their opinion. They had suffered no loss or damage, but Jesus had become larger than life. Let this be the end result of all your struggles today.

Dear Jesus, reveal yourself to all those who struggle today. AMEN