Re-Fuel: “Take Courage!”
Mark 6:46-52 (NIV, 1984)
46 After leaving them, [Jesus] went up on a mountainside to pray.
47 When evening came, 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. About the fourth watch of the night 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.
Mark 6:46-52 (NIV, 1984)
46 After leaving them, [Jesus] went up on a mountainside to pray.
47 When evening came, 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. About the fourth watch of the night 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.
I am looking forward to sitting and meditating on Mark 6!
ReplyDeleteToday, What stood out to me in my time reading Mark 6:45-50 was actually verse 51. After Jesus says to his disciples "Take Courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 51-Jesus climbed into the boat with them and the wind died down. Often times when I find myself in a trial (the middle of a storm) or Im stirred up about something (straining at the oars) and I feel as though Im being attacked from all angles (the wind was against them). Its comforting to know that if I just look to Jesus he draws close to me (climbs into my boat) and calms me down (the winds die down).
ReplyDeleteAmen to that!
If you go to biblegateway you can listen to Mark chapter 6, pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteLast Tuesday Bill G. said he was perplexed by Mark 6:52 "their hearts were hardened". I also felt that was odd so I looked up commentaries on bible.cc, I like what Wesley's comment said: "their hearts were hardened-and yet they were not reprobates. It means only that they were slow and dull of apprehension."
Oh Lord help me to not be dull and slow but quick to trust and believe !
Vicki H.
I find that if I just quiet all the "noise" in my own head, shut out the noise of this world, and just "listen", with my heart, not my ears, God comes through much more clearly. The one thing that struck me, was the statement made of God's love. That we should not be willing to just receive it, but rather funnel it to others through our actions.
ReplyDeleteI took away the reality that Jesus wants me to come sit, rest and retreat with him... just as I am, in the storm, when I'm not perfect, not after I get all my to-do's done, but now, just as I am.
ReplyDelete"Do the right thing when no one is looking."
ReplyDeleteThis series has been amazing. I am growing into a deeper relationship with Jesus. The more I talk to him the more I want to talk to him and the more he fills me. Seemingly unsolvable problems for me, family and friends are being solved. Jesus is the answer. Through the storm, I know that Jesus is there and that is enough. He enables me to Love my way through the storm of my life. Jesus' love focused through me is solving today's problems. I'll worry about tomorrow then...
ReplyDeleteLast night was AMAZING!!! Great perspective. I learned that as a disciple/close follower of Christ Jesus, with out a doubt I will come across storms and deserts(God putting his own son in the hands of Satan). The BEST thing I can do in those circumstances is trust and have faith in God. Lean into him. Rest in the fact that Jesus is praying for me. Jesus is on my side, by my side. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat did Jesus say to me tonight?
ReplyDeleteI am with you always. I am interceding on your behalf. My presence should be enough for you in the midst of trials; I am using them to shape you in my image, for a greater purpose. Take your eyes off of the storm and keep them on me. You are safe in my presence.
The opportunity to fully realize Christ "did go up the mountain to pray" . How long can I pray with my eyes closed? I open them to "see" my praying brothers and sisters. I "see" Christ "seeing, watching" while praying, talking and who knows, a little chuckle with God, ..............
ReplyDeleteAll the time "watching over" the disciples effort.
No! I do Not want god in my boat. I have been given a special gift, just like you. Our hearts are "not hardened" concerning Jesus and the loaves.
We are blessed with " Class 3! Can't wait
I want to "increase my capacity to see, be trusted to do God's will.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've been going over Mark chapter 6 and I see where I have a hard time listening and trusting that God has my back. It's so easy to have a hard heart. I pray that I can trust in Him more.
ReplyDeleteMark chapter 6 does you no good . . . unless you obey Luke 6:46-49. You have to do more than see and hear; you must apply Jesus' words to your life.
ReplyDeleteListening to Brian's message about fear in different circumstances and looking to Yahweh for courage and strength really touched me. I am going through a storm right now with my daughter and it is painful. But I am assured that Jesus is always with me and will never forsake me. Through Him I am strong and I am valued and I am loved abundantly. He is calming my storm. Thank you Yahweh. Karen B.
ReplyDelete