Mark 6:45-51
Jesus sent his disciples into their boat as He
stayed behind to see off the multitudes. He departed to the mountain to pray. I
can picture the miraculously fed multitude departing. Did they realize the
extent of this miracle? Were they reluctant to leave, thus Jesus sent his
disciples away as an example? What did Jesus pray about as he went to the
mountain? What was it like for the disciples to leave, not knowing what Jesus
would do next, how he would get across the lake?
Jesus saw the disciples straining at the oars at
about the 4th watch of the night. “He came to them, walking on the
sea; and He intended to pass by them. But when they saw Him walking on the sea,
they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were
frightened. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, ‘Take courage;
it is I, do not be afraid.’” (verses 48-50)
This incident of Jesus walking on the water is one
of the most vivid of the New Testament. The disciples were stressed by the
weather, and they were frightened at the sight of Him. He tells them to “take
courage.” This instruction was given to Joshua, David, and so many down through
the scriptures. It is needed today – courage. Jesus confirms His identity – “It
is I.” Confirming the presence of God among us is vital. When the winds of
adversity blow, and human effort seems ineffective, practicing the presence of
God is crucial. Hearing Jesus say “it is I” to his disciples echoes down
eternity, and for me in the quiet of this morning I hear Him say “Bruce, it is
I” was my day dawns and the tasks at hand loom large.
Jesus got into the boat with the disciples, they
were greatly astounded, “for they had not gained any insight from the incident
of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” The insight they could have
gained was that God would supply their needs. They could have realized that
Jesus was in the center of God’s will and was doing the work of the kingdom as
He ministered. They could have realized that Jesus included the participation
of the disciples in distributing the bread to involve them in the miracle, and
He has their best interests at heart.
Guide me Holy Lord as I recognize Your presence in
every aspect of life. Guard me from a hard heart and any lack of insight from
your miracles and your provisioning. I want to see you more clearly!
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