What Jesus Did : Mark 4:38 - Anxious Honesty
by Phil Ware
Anxious Honesty - Mark 4:38
Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went to him and woke him. They said, "Teacher, do you care about us? We will drown!" (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
I am so thankful about the honest portrayal of Jesus' disciples. I can see myself in them and know that God uses people like me. Maybe you're not like most of us who sometimes panic when we feel overwhelmed. Fortunately for us, the early followers of Jesus did have bouts with panic and fear just like we do. In their fear, they don't pretend to have everything under control. They don't puff out their chest with false bravado and act like they can handle the situation. Even though their honesty leads to a rebuke, it also leads to a miracle! Why? Because they are willing to go honestly to their Savior with their fears. They have much to learn ... and he will teach them. They also have much to lose ... and he will protect them. What are you holding back in your conversation with the Savior? What has you panicked, afraid, or anxious that you have not fully shared with the Lord? Storms come and go, but only the Lord stands the test of time. Be real about your fears and anxieties and let him care for you. Yes, he will challenge you to greater faith. But that's the point isn't it? That in our weakness he calls us to himself and offers us grace.
Today's Prayer
Father, I confess to you now the burdens of my heart, knowing that you will hear them and do what is best for me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
That day, at evening, Jesus said to his followers, "Come with me across the lake." Jesus and the followers left the people there. They went in the same boat that Jesus was already sitting in. There were also other boats with them. A very bad wind came on the lake. The waves were coming over the sides and into the boat. The boat was almost full of water. Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went to him and woke him. They said, "Teacher, do you care about us? We will drown!" Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and the waves to stop. Jesus said, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind stopped and the lake became calm. Jesus said to his followers, "Why are you afraid? You still have no faith?" The followers were very afraid and asked each other, "What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the water obey him!"-- Mark 4:35-41 (ERV)
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/mark/0315-wjd.html
(c)2001-2006, Phil Ware and Heartlight, Inc.
©1996-2002, Heartlight, Inc. - http://www.heartlight.org