Have I left
the lesser loyalties to follow the higher priorities of the Kingdom of God?
It is not
enough to be impressed with His person, or what we can get from Him. Perhaps
some of our evangelism and friendly “seeker services” are like the people on
the shore of the Sea of Galilee seeking another amazing miracle. Perhaps like
Carnival, we shout, “Throw me something mister!”
The crowds
along the lakeside wanted more healings than teaching. Jesus got into a boat
and headed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
The vital
thing Jesus wants is for us to follow Him. Jesus still says to would be
disciples, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury the dead” (Matthew 8:22). Jesus
got in the boat “and His disciples followed Him” (v. 23).
Have we
gotten into the boat with Jesus? Weak faith grows strong in the fierce storms
of life.
One moment
Jesus is asleep on a pillow in the rear of the boat in a fierce storm, overcome
with exhaustion from a busy day. Then we see Him a few moments later calming
the fierce wind and waves, which only God can do.
Matthew,
Mark and Luke tell the events that day when Jesus and His disciples were
crossing the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:22). Jesus, exhausted from a day of
ministry, fell asleep in the rear of the boat. “A fierce gale of wind descended
upon the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger” (v. 23).
Matthew who was an eyewitness said, “There arose a great storm,” literally “a
shaking.” The “boat was covered with waves” (Matt. 8:24). It was such a severe
storm that these professional sailors panicked.
Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006. http://www.abideinchrist.com
Used with permission.
Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006. http://www.abideinchrist.com
Used with permission.
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