Real Fear—Part 1
Opening Prayer
Caring, Saving God, I thank You that You are always with me and faithfully caring for me each day.
Read Mark 4:35-41
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[35] That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” [36] Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. [37] A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. [38] Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” [39] He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. [40] He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What did Jesus reveal about himself here?Last week we read about Jesus being crowded out and criticized; here we find him tossed on a furious sea that made experienced sailors fear for their lives. I am a regular visitor to the fickle waves—I love the sea—but I know that it can be very dangerous at times. If Jesus fully shared our humanity, then he shared our essential sense of danger. And that night, he was in serious danger. It is because he was in a genuinely terrifying situation that Jesus’ faith is inspiring.
Jesus was not a sailor. I’ve been on rough water with inexperienced sailors, and seen their fear as waves loom over them. Yet in the middle of this raging storm, Jesus focused on his heavenly Father. He knew a stronger force than the wind and waves, and held tightly onto it.
As those waterlogged humans sat in their flooded boats, hearts pounding from exertion and emotion, Jesus put the key question to them: “Why are you so afraid?” (40, TNIV). It is not a question of “to fear or not to fear.” Fear and trust are relative. Jesus trusted in the face of the raging storm. That was the key.
Apply
How experienced are you at trusting God? If you fear anything now, bring it to God in prayer and resolve to trust him.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, in those times when I’m in danger and afraid, help me to trust You more than I fear.
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