Fear is at the center of much of modern life. Whether we look at the world at large, or at the political situation in our own country, or perhaps at our personal lives, we have multiple reasons to be afraid.
Fear also gripped the disciples on multiple occasions, and there are two particular cases where this happened when they were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. (Both are described in the gospel of Mark, chapters four and six.) On one occasion they were caught in a fierce storm, and on the other occasion they were trying to row across the lake at night and were “straining at the oars against an adverse wind.” (Mark 6:48) Both stories speak of how we can move out of fear and into faith. We make that movement when:
- We recognize who Jesus is. In the midst of the storm, Jesus calmed the sea, and when the disciples were struggling with the oars, He came to them walking on the water. Both of these “nature miracles” demonstrate that Christ is not just a human teacher, but He is God present among us.
- We have Jesus “in the boat” with us. The disciples were saved from the storm because Jesus was in the boat with them, and likewise when the disciples were “straining against an adverse wind” their circumstances changed when “Jesus got into the boat with them and the wind ceased.” (Mark 6:51) We need to receive Jesus into our lives today!
- We trust in Jesus. The gospel stories illustrate plainly that no matter what storms may rage around us, Christ is the One who calms the storm, and who can lead us through every challenge, as we place our trust in Him.
When the storm was terrifying the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (Mark 4:40) Surely Jesus is speaking the same message to us! We indeed have reason for faith as we look to Christ and recognize that He is here with us to bring us through the storm.
Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 107:23–29
Mark 4:35–41
Mark 6:47–51
