I use devotional guides often as one might use “fat lighter” to start a fire in the fireplace. I will read what was laid on the heart of a guide’s author and then read the background verses; and then pray and meditatively consider what I have just read. Most times I find myself journaling as a result of something the kindling has ignited that the Spirit is fanning into flames for my personal study. One of my devotional guides, “Our Daily Bread,” led me to read Mark 4:35-41 this morning, and fanned once again to flames, He leads me. The story is very familiar. Disciples going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee…Jesus asleep in the stern of the boat after a long day of ministry…fierce storm comes up breaking waves across the boat and filling it with water…fear grips the “crew” of fisherman…they wake the sleeping Jesus with cries that He lacks concern for their plight…Jesus rebukes the weather event. And then, he rebukes the men. Here is where I concentrate the heat this morning from the sparks of my devotional. “And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?’” (Mark 4:40) Jesus had already displayed some very marvelous works of power over demons, paralysis and disease, and was speaking as one who had authority. (Mark 1:22) Jesus’ implication of a faith-sapping fear here is one which we all have experienced. The remedy for this is to first hear His voice as He says through Paul, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear (timidity or cowardice,) but of power and love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Them we are not to cower, but to remain steadfast in the assurances that His past activity in our lives has provided. “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” says the proverb at Proverb 18:24b. Jesus is the one who promised to never leave nor forsake us, regardless of the storms or lack thereof in our lives. (Deuteronomy 31:8) Lastly, our faith is made stronger when we refuse to lose, but to trust in the Lord. “They became very much afraid and said to one another, ‘Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him.’” (Mark 4:41) Though rebuked for timidity at verse 40, the use of the word “afraid” here seems to indicate a change from the fear they displayed while being subjected to the uncontrollable forces of nature and a desperate acclamation that they were powerless to do anything about it themselves, to a “fear” that was awakening within them which was an understanding, though not complete, that this Jesus was the creative designer and controller of all things and that reliance upon Him, by faith, would be necessary, as He alone was able to deliver hope to the hopeless in the desperate situations of life. He said to the wind and the storm, “Hush, be still.” When the storm arises, stand firm in faith which is proven. Then listen for His voice.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 11:11:36 +0000
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