The Good News
National Treasure is a movie I enjoy, but I laugh at the scene where a tour guide of our nation’s capitol says to the people in her group, over and over, “And we’re walking, stay with me, and we’re walking…” I giggle a bit because I am remembering this scene as I read about Jesus walking past his followers struggling against the winds of the sea by just trying to keep their oars in the water! YES, Jesus, the Son of God in human form, walks past them, intending to just pass by, but of course He is noticed! And we’re walking…
Mark 6, The Message
47-49 Late at night, the boat was far out at sea; Jesus was still by himself on land. He could see his men struggling with the oars, the wind having come up against them. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. He intended to go right by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and screamed, scared out of their wits.
50-52 Jesus was quick to comfort them: “Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” As soon as he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on. They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts.
53-56 They beached the boat at Gennesaret and tied up at the landing. As soon as they got out of the boat, word got around fast. People ran this way and that, bringing their sick on stretchers to where they heard he was. Wherever he went, village or town or country crossroads, they brought their sick to the marketplace and begged him to let them touch the edge of his coat—that’s all. And whoever touched him became well.
They still didn’t get it! Who IS this man? The followers are still wondering how in the world Jesus fed more than five thousand people gathered on the hillside with a pocket full of food! Then comes another struggle in life…a raging sea with the wind against them. Jesus WALKS by leisurely, watching them. They are scared, but HE says, take it easy, it’s ME. “Don’t be afraid.”
Do we get it? In the midst of our struggles, Jesus will walk by. We need to recognize Him for Who He is. Watch as He climbs into the boat with us. Feel His Presence in the middle of the storm and see how suddenly our storms die down. He will see us through whatever we are going through at present. This is encouraging to us this morning! THIS is Good News, too! Right?
And we’re walking…
Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for what You have done, are doing and will do in our lives as well as WHO You are. YOU are GOD and we are not. There is no one I would rather walk with than You! Continue to be with us this day as we walk the path You have given us. In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 