SMOOTH SAILING NOT GUARANTEED!

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

 

SMOOTH SAILING NOT GUARANTEED!

 

Mark 4:35-36

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

 

           Even with Jesus in the ship, smooth sailing is not guaranteed. Mark describes the storm calmly but I’m sure it was horrific. Their ship was full of water and, amazingly, Jesus slept through it all. Not until he was awakened did He act. It is worthy of a few moments just to think about this.

 

           Some very frightening things may toss us but it is not the end! Because we can’t know what God knows, His calm in our storm seems unreasonable and even unfair. “Carest thou not that we parish?” bursts from our mouth! In terror we question His authority, His love, and even His deity. Faith returned only when fear was soothed. This was Jesus’ first rebuke. His second rebuke was aimed at the storm.

 

           The rebuke of our faithlessness stings like the salt spray in our faces. Something akin to anger wells up and we resent the calm of the Master. We need it – but we resent it, nonetheless.

 

           Mark mentions something that we should consider. There were also other little ships. We are not the only one passing through the foam. Others are fearfully struggling as well. Our passenger list includes Jesus. What happens to us affects others as well. Be careful how you respond to the terrors of life. Others know that Jesus is in the boat with you and will be watching the outcome.

 

2 Cor 7:5-6

5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

 

Dear Lord, many of our storms are not seen by others. Our exterior seems calm, and our face wears a painted smile, but inside is terror and doubt. We press on behind your calm authority in soldierly order but inside we are frightened children. Calm us Lord! Rebuke us if necessary – but calm the storm for us. AMEN