Mark 4, especially
verses 35-41.
The first 33 verses
of this chapter contain Jesus’ teaching, in parables to the crowds, with
explanation to his disciples. Most of the parables are agrarian. I was struck
by one aspect of the familiar parable of the sower. What he is sowing is “the
word.” As we spend 40 days in the word, the Wesley community is the soil being
prepared and receiving what the sower has for each of us. In the midst of these
parables, I remembered that I have baby plants sprouted in the basement and I
need to water them. It is so easy for me to forget about them for 3-4 days,
during which they can dry out. I must never go 3-4 days without God’s word
watering my soul.
35-41 Jesus calms a
storm – Picture it method of devotional Bible Study
After a long day of
teaching the disciples took Jesus in the boat heading for the other side. I can
picture the logistics of this, many of the disciples being fisherman, familiar
with boats. I can picture its sail, and probably oars. There arose a fierce
gale, and waves were breaking over the boat and it was filling with water.
Jesus was asleep on the cushion in the stern. The son of God was also fully
human, with an earthsuit that needed recharging with sleep, the same need that
I have on a daily basis. The disciples roused him out of concern that they
would perish. He rebuked the wind and said to the sea “Hush, be still.” The
elements obeyed his word. Jesus said to his disciples “Why are you so timid?
How is it that you have no faith?”
This question in
the midst of a storm has impacted me this morning as if Jesus was in this room,
speaking directly to me – Bruce, why are you so timid? How is it that you have
no faith? I will ponder this question
all day, and into next week. Guide me
today, most holy Lord in all I do, say, prepare, plan, and confront.
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