Mark 6:49 …but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out…
Once again I am thankful that Jesus is nothing like me. He has been with the disciples, teaching them, showing them, loving them for so long, and yet they still do not see, still do not understand, that He is sovereign and merciful, gracious and good, that He can and will and does provide. Always.
Mark 6:50 …because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
When I am frustrated–because we have covered this particular lesson again and again ad nauseam and they still don’t get it–I’m afraid that I would be tempted to act more like the Old Testament God with floods and destruction. But Jesus is patient. He understands that the disciples are afraid. He doesn’t lose sight of the long-term goal–to empower the disciples to continue the work after He’s gone to Heaven.
Mark 6:51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed….
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your mercy, compassion, provision. Thank You for your patience when, just like the disciples, I harden my heart and refuse to learn the lessons that You are teaching me. Give me eyes to not only look but to see, ears to not only hear but to listen, a heart overflowing with Your love for others. Amen.
Mark 6:52 …for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Have a blessed day.