It had been an amazing day for the disciples. An estimated crowd of 5000 had flocked to hear Yahshua’s inspiring teaching, and to rejoice in miracles and healings. Finally, an astonishing climax; they had helped to feed everyone with what had been a young boy’s lunch - until Yahshua had blessed it! Then the leftovers had amounted to more than they started with! Can you imagine the excitement, the laughter, the energy of being involved? [Mark 6:32-44] It must have come as a shock when afterwards, Yahshua ‘dismissed’ them swiftly, instructing them to cross the lake immediately. [v45] “What’s going on?”, one can almost hear them mutter, “What’s He up to now?”
Do you ever feel confused by the things Yahshua instructs you to do? Has that confusion ever increased when obedience seems to herald disaster? The obedient disciples could well have been querying Yahshua’s instructions when they found themselves battling a ferocious wind. He didn’t turn up until after 3am, and since they probably set off in the late afternoon [for the crowd was still there] they must have been struggling for a long time
It’s normal to expect everything to go well when we set our hearts to be obedient; to feel shocked when obedience leads us straight into trouble! Normal to wonder if we really heard His voice. I’ve pondered if the purpose for the disciples crossing the lake that night was simply to arrive at Bethsaida. Imagine them, wet through, exhausted, frustrated and confused, wrestling with the wind, and suddenly noticing Yahshua walking calmly towards them. No wonder they thought He was a ghost! When they cried out in terror, He said, “Hey, take courage, it’s Me!”, then, as He climbed into the boat, the sea became calm immediately. [vs 48-51] I wonder, did they learn, that night, that no matter how terrifying the storm, when they were obedient, He would always be around – on top of the trouble?
When life hits us like a terrifying storm, let us draw comfort from the knowledge that in our obedience, He will always be found close by, walking on the waves, controlling the trouble, keeping us safe.
Photo by Quangpraha
https://pixabay.com/en/fishermen-fishing-sea-asia-vietnam-2983615/
The Living WordNew Audio Devotional
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1 Corinthians 15:19-20 NIV - If only for this life we have hope in - Bible Gateway
Rejoice, Rejoice, Oh Christian, Lift Up Your Voice And Sing Eternal Hallelujahs To [Yahshua the Messiah] The King! The Hope Of All Who Seek Him, The Help Of All Who Find, None Other Is So Loving, So Good And Kind.
Homer A. Rodeheaver
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