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