Even the Wind and Waves Obey Him

PASSAGE OF THE DAY:
Mark4 (click the link)



KEY VERSE:
He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm. (Mark 4:39, NIRV)



REFLECTIONS:
Putting into practice what we read in the Bible is like high school math. Your teacher can show how the problems are solved and the book has examples of the problems that demonstrate step-by-step how to solve the problem, but when you sit down to do your homework or maybe try the word problems at the back of the chapter, things just don’t work out. There’s some difference between the examples and the problem you are facing.

I don’t think it’s an accident how this chapter plays out. Mark 4 starts with a very well known parable of the sower,  Jesus then states giving, not getting, is the way, and then gives examples of what God’s kingdom is like.

If you take a step back, we see Jesus telling stories that are examples of how God wants life to be lived with an open heart and how God’s kingdom should be received and given to others. These stories are told to crowds seeking Jesus and explained to the disciples who passionately want to know and understand Jesus’ teachings.

But then comes the moment of application, the homework, the word problem at the back of the chapter and the disciples struggle. When their boat is tossed on the sea, they can’t seem to apply what they have seen and been taught. Problems and issues are difficult when we are left on our own to work through them. But the disciples weren’t on their own or alone. Jesus was with them.

Take heart. Don't despair. Jesus didn’t give up on the disciples in Mark 4… or Mark 5, 6… or even Mark 16. Jesus was patient and had more lessons to teach them and more time to walk with them, even after Mark 4. He would walk with them through His most difficult moments and their most difficult moments.

Know that Jesus will be with us when we can’t apply what we know to be true. He’ll help us make the tough decisions and forgive us when we don’t live as He has taught us. He will forgive and give us another chance. We serve a sweet ever-loving patient God.



POINT OF ACTION:
Read the Bible, pray and spend time waiting and listening for God’s guidance. Then open your heart and be willing to act out the faith that God has shown you. He is with you.



PRAYER:
God lead us gently and clearly into Your kingdom. Open our eyes, ears and heart to You. Help us to receive all that You have to give us.



WHO AM I?
My name is David Norris and I confess to being a nerd. I haven’t always confessed this. In high school I hung with both the athletes and with the musicians, whichever made me the coolest. But I did make the math team, can you imagine. It was embarrassing. Later, being a nerd paid off in my engineering studies at Georgia Tech. I had found my calling… kind of.