Saturday,
January 24, 2026
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 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 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 is 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” 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
result of all your struggles today.
Dear Jesus, reveal yourself to all
those who struggle today and relieve them. AMEN
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