[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during March 2024]
In one of last week’s readings[1] a sentence caught my attention. Matthew, Mark and Luke all include accounts of Jesus calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee but Mark includes an additional detail. It could almost be a throw-away line but since generations of scribes and typists have been inspired to include it then it must have some relevance.
And other little boats were also with Him. Mark 4 v36 [NKJV]
Did they too experience the storm? Were they too threatened by the wind and rough sea? Did they too hear the disciples’ cries of fear and their appeal to Jesus? The answer to all three questions is almost certainly ‘yes’. Those who were in the other boats would surely have experienced the calm that followed after Jesus commanded the waves to be still.
Do we recognise that our prayers for ourselves can affect those around us? Should that have an effect on how we pray? Do we make a positive effort to share with them the blessings that we receive?
Some of these disciples were experienced fishermen, fully familiar with the hazards of embarking on an evening voyage across the sea. Despite knowing the risks, they set out, following the instruction that Jesus had given them.
Do you ever find yourself in the same boat as the disciples? Not literally of course, but metaphorically speaking. Does the course that you are following seem likely to end in disaster? To what extent are you willing to accept the risks that come with obeying Jesus?
The disciples had not yet fully understood who Jesus was. Their question “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”[2] is one that we too should ask. With two thousand years of hindsight we ought to be able to provide an answer but is our answer adequate?
Some time later, Jesus tried to explain to the disciples who he was and why he had come. He spoke about his death and resurrection but the response of the disciples was predictable:
They did not understand what He said and were afraid to ask Him. Mark 9:32 [NLV]
There are times when, as we read the Bible or listen to God in prayer, we feel that he is trying to tell us something but we do not understand. As we take time to ponder on what we have read or heard we should not be afraid to ask for clarity. Gideon, David and Jehoshaphat[3] are just three examples of people asking for confirmation of God’s will. Our prayer should echo that of the Psalmist:
Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word. Psalm 119 v169 [NIVUK]
References:
[1] The Essential Jesus, day 57
[2] Mark 8 v41
[3] Judges 6 v39, 1 Samuel 23 v2, 2 Chronicles 18 v6
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Last week’s reflection: God has No Grandchildren
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
An interesting and thought provoking reflection Steve!
Many thanks for this Steve. The last line in particular resonates with me.