IT IS I; BE NOT AFRAID

Saturday, February 29, 2020

IT IS I; BE NOT AFRAID

If you have been following this story for the past few days, you know that Jesus had fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fishes. He then sent the disciples across the lake Gennesaret to the other side. During that short boat ride a violent storm swooped down upon their craft. Jesus, who had finished his prayer on the mountain overlooking the shore, was now WALKING across the lake.

Jesus sees them “toiling in rowing” and would have passed them by because He knew they would reach the other shore safely. Sometimes, Jesus leaves us alone in our struggles, not because He doesn’t care, but because He is not concerned. We, on the other hand, scream with terror.

The disciples, who thought Jesus to be a spirit, now receive confirmation that it is Jesus. Oh, what sweet confirmation that must have been! “Be not afraid” is often the first words heaven speaks to man. Sometimes it even helps.

There are many things to fear. Our boat is small, and the storm is huge. Our efforts barely keep us stationary. No progress is being made. Things seem to be out of control, and we have become victims of our circumstance. Then Jesus walks by and bids us to abandon fear.

Dear Lord, If I focus on my weakness and the storm’s strength, I am terrified. Please calm those fears today. AMEN

HE WOULD HAVE PASSED BY!

Friday, February 28, 2020

HE WOULD HAVE PASSED BY!

Mark 6:48

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.

           If you have been following this story for the past few days, you know that Jesus had fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fishes. He then sent the disciples across the lake Gennesaret to the other side. He said that he would stay behind and disperse the crowd and then pray for a while on the nearby mountain. When Jesus finally began his walk across the lake it was the fourth watch – between 3 AM and 6AM. A sudden and violent storm began which seems to have had a devilish source. Yesterday found the disciples “toiling in rowing.”

           Mark now tells us that Jesus “would have passed them (us) by.” We get the idea from Mark that he felt this to be rather insensitive of the Savior to do so. Did He not see the predicament they were in? Well, of course He did! He just did not think it required intervention. He saw them!

           Ah, but now they saw Him! How can a man walk on water? They wrongly concluded that this was an apparition or a ghost of some lost sailor. They cried out in fear. No, strike that. They screamed in horror.

           Without getting ahead of ourselves, let me just say that many of our troubles seem rather normal to Jesus. He allows us to suffer various troubles without notable intervention. This tells me that Jesus has more faith in us than we often have in Him. Yet, He is watching and ready to step in if we ask – or scream.

Dear Lord, many are the struggles of your people. We toil painfully and make little progress, but you think that to be normal. Yet, when we cry out to you, we are assured of miraculous intervention. Well, Lord, please watch me carefully today. Hurry to help me when I cry out. AMEN

TOILING IN ROWING!

Thursday, February 27, 2020

TOILING IN ROWING!

Matt 14:24-25

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Mark 6:48

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.

           If you remember from yesterday, the disciples had shoved off from the shore while Jesus had climbed a mountain to pray. Mark, who was most likely in the boat, adds that they were toiling in rowing because the winds were contrary. If there were a dozen men in the boat we can imagine there were several men manning the oars. Each was straining and the boat was making little headway.

           To make matters worse, it was the fourth watch of the night which compares to our 3AM to 6AM. We are supposed to be asleep at this time and not laboring hard at not drowning.

           If yesterday’s admonition was to OBEY, then today’s key element is persistence in the face of struggle. Life is not easy and hard work should never be seen as uncommon. Jesus saw them toiling, which is the Greek word basanizo, which includes the elements of pain and torture.

           Jesus did not seem to be in a rush to relieve them! Working hard does not always require divine intervention. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect it. Of course, Jesus knew the ultimate outcome was the safe arrival at the other shore.

Dear Lord, here I am toiling in rowing. I’ve obeyed your command to cross the lake but things are not going as smoothly as I expected. I don’t know why you don’t seem concerned about the situation and I can only assume that you know everything will be alright. I see you and I know that you see me. AMEN