Summer At Sea: Week 11 Day 3

Mark 6:45-56

45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a misprint. You read the story of Jesus walking on the water yesterday, from the book of Matthew; today we read Mark’s account. In this account, Mark makes a special note. He says that the disciples were completely amazed because they hadn’t understood about the loaves and fishes. At first, I was astounded that they would have seen such a miracle, and still not have realized that Jesus was Lord of all. But then I am convicted. Many times I have been overwhelmed with a need and God has miraculously provided for me. Yet, after that, when another storm came up, I panicked again, just like the disciples. 

How has God cared for you in the last month? Take a moment and ask Him to show you. Then, give thanks for that protection and provision, and hold on to God’s goodness the next time you find yourself rowing against the wind.