Take Heart
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Mark 6:45-52
45. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he 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; have no fear." 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.
Jesus has just fed the five thousand. As is the case after a miracle is performed, He needs to “recharge his batteries” by going off alone to meditate, pray, and reconnect with His Father. He has sent his disciples ahead probably to make arrangements for lodging, or to purchase food so they could eat around a campfire before sleeping under the stars. Some hours had passed when he realized his friends were straining against the powerful wind. I imagine he watched them for a while to see if they would be able to get across of their own accord, hoping that to be the case.
Jesus went to help the disciples, but he must have wanted more time to be alone, since he “meant to pass by them.” Who knows who looked up and called attention to the “apparition.” Remember the people of this day were very superstitious and I didn’t find a good explanation of who they thought it might be hovering over the water. In any case, they were terrified -- who wouldn’t be!? But they had been with Jesus. They had seen him perform the most amazing miracles! He had resurrected the dead! Jesus had already calmed a violent storm while on a boat with them! What more did they need to know and see in order to understand?
We already know the answer! They didn’t really “get it” until the Holy Spirit enlightened them fully. So I wonder what excuse we use for not doing what we should do. I don’t mean our to-do list items. I mean spending time with God. Praying. Reading the Bible. Meditating on His Word. The world ever calls to us: come and be with me; come and help me; come. Our challenge is to balance the demands of the world with our longing for our God. Alone on the mountain Jesus was able to look down and see from a better perspective what the true “emergencies” were. He was better able to determine if he needed to go or wait.
When we’re in the midst of life we don’t have the same “big picture” view. That’s why we need time alone with God! I would give anything to have touched to hem of the robe of Jesus! Imagine being the recipient such healing and wholeness! Just brushing up against the fringe of his garment would probably send a jolt through your body. I have had one or two moments when I felt fully in the presence of Jesus. They are truly indescribable! I guess reflecting upon those instances, I can understand the awe and fear of the disciples! To be in the presence of the divine is unspeakably, wonderfully, awesome and yes, fearful.
Today I urge you to “look up” to see your Savior walking on the waters of your life. And be comforted when he tells you, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."
Mary
