A THREE HOUR CRUISE!

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

A THREE HOUR CRUISE!

Matt 14:21-22

21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

           If you remember the popular show “Gilligan’s Island,” then you know that some short cruises can turn into great adventures. Jesus had just fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes. Serving that many had exhausted both Jesus and the disciples.

           Jesus sent the twelve on a short boat trip to the other side of the lake while he would stay behind an disperse the crowd. The disciples shoved off and the Savior climbed a mountain to pray a while.

           Sometimes the simplest plan suddenly and violently becomes a life challenging adventure. In the next few mornings we will explore more aspects of this story, but today lets simply focus on the beginning.

           Today you will shove off from the shores of home to begin your day. It is a Wednesday, and the middle of the week offers little of the excitement of the weekends. You will complete tasks from yesterday and begin things that you hope to finish tomorrow. If you knew what was ahead, you would go back to bed.

           It is important to know that Jesus is the One who made the plans for this trip. We don’t hear any of the disciples question why Jesus did not accompany them or how He would arrive at the other side. Perhaps he would walk or run around the rim of the lake or take another boat and meet them later. They were not bothered by being alone.

           The key to beginning any journey orchestrated by Jesus is OBEDIENCE. Without knowing what this Wednesday will present we go forth in obedience to His command. The word “constrained” in verse 22 is anagkazo and it means “to necessitate; to compel.” Their only correct response was to obey.

Dear Lord, you have told me to go forward and you have done so with some force. I am constrained to go and sense no impending danger. My only correct response is to obey. Thank you for knowing more than I know. Thank you for not telling me! AMEN