Mark 6:47-52 NIV And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he [Jesus] was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
My Thoughts:
This Scripture is a different kind of picture of what “belief” looks like for those closest to Jesus. It turns out those most intimately connected to Jesus can suffer bouts of what verse 52 calls “hardened” hearts. I’m pretty sure fatigue, fear, confusion had a lot to do with that. That’s true of us too, but these were his disciples. That’s a surprise isn’t it?
We can fix those physical conditions with more rest and more knowledge. Those are surely needed, but the heart problem needs something more. That fix is being willing to consider Jesus is watching for opportunities to come you. He may choose unusual circumstances to walk into your life or your circumstances and then climb right into the “boat” with you.
“Take heart” no matter how astounding it seems, his words “Surprise, It’s Me” are his comfort and assurance for your heart and your life.
Read and Ponder - Faith in Daily Life 