When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. -Mark 6:47-56*
Jesus made his disciples get on a boat and head to the other side of the lake while he went up the mountain to pray. The disciples were unable to get very far because a strong wind blew against them. Early the next morning Jesus walked out onto the water toward the boat. As he approached them, the disciples became terrified. They thought he was a ghost. He spoke to them, "Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid," then got into the boat and quieted the wind. They were utterly astounded because after all the time they had been together, and all they had seen him do, they did not fully yet comprehend who he was. He was their friend and their teacher, but the fact that he truly was the Messiah, the Son of God, surprisingly eluded them.
Reading this passage made me wonder about my relationship with Jesus. As a child, I learned that Jesus was my friend - and He is. He loves me, "this I know, for the Bible tells me so." He invites me to come to Him anytime - all the time - in conversation, in prayer. I know that He gave His life as a ransom for mine - but have I known it for so long that the reality and enormity of what He did for me has simply become something I take for granted?
This Lenten worship time has become powerful to me, in part because it has required me to have some "quiet time" - time to reflect on the Word. Reflection is not something that is typically part of my daily life - but is clear to me that it should be. Reminding me of the response my relationship with Christ should elicit is a song -
"Lord Jesus, Fill My Days" (shortened)
Lord Jesus, fill my days - the time I wholly give to you... Lord Jesus, take my mind - my thoughts I wholly give to you... Lord Jesus, still my heart - my heart I wholly give for you... Lord Jesus, faithful friend, lift me up to glory when my journey's through. My life I wholly give to you.
Kelly Kidd serves on the church and CCA staff as Facilities Director.
How has Jesus made a difference in your life? "When I was 8 I let Jesus into my life. Before that I never was the same." -Marlee Crews, 3rd grade
*Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
