When Jesus Climbs In Our Boat

Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.  They were completely amazed, Mark 6:51 (TNIV)

So many incredible things the Disciples had already seen.  But these miracles seemed to be forgotten while their lives were being threatened out there on the lake.  They had been shown how powerless they were in this world on their own by struggling against the wind throughout the dark night.  It may be hard to picture, but when wind and waves buffet our boat, our feeble human strength just doesn´t match up.  Even with our greatest determination and mightiest strokes, rowing against the elements can achieve little at best.

So there they were, tired, sore and humbly aware they were no match for the world which stood up against them.  They were far from the safety of shore or any other help.  That is when they saw Him.  Jesus came to them in their moment of distress.  It is obvious to us now that all that had happened and was happening was to lead them into an understanding of the love, power and care the Lord has for us.  Jesus was teaching, as only a Master Teacher can do, a valuable lesson in faith.

However when they encountered Jesus in this remote hostile environment, they were unable to fathom the depth of Who He is and What He is like.  The power the situation had over them just didn´t affect Jesus in the same way.  He was standing on the water which threatened to swallow them.  The wind itself obediently calmed and was still as Jesus joined them in their boat.  And it says that the Disciples were completely amazed.

Wouldn´t we be too?  Imagine that we finally catch sight of our Savior.  We have been out here in the darkness pulling on the oars.  No matter how long or how hard we pull, it seems that we get nowhere.  The elements appear to be set against us and we make absolutely no headway as we struggle against them.  Then we see Him.  We actually catch a glimpse of Him and instantly we realize that He is completely above our scene.  The depths of our problems cannot drag Him down.  The winds that challenge us and hold us firmly back, obey to Him and calm quietly down the moment they are of no use to His constant, yet effective way of teaching.  When we realize and finally do see these qualities about Him, we too will be completely amazed.

When we read these short and interesting stories of our Teacher, do we allow them to work their full weight of instruction for us today?  Would we prefer to let their power to heal and direct, fall on more receptive ears?  It is painful to conceive that some of us would brush past these priceless gifts of wisdom and understanding into the reality of the kingdom we do not yet see.  Therefore let us take up the first seat in that boat.  Let us accept both the fearful darkness and the sharp unrelenting winds.  Simply for the blessing of leaning another beautiful lesson of faith, let us trade places with those in the stories.

Dear Lord, we have fought long and hard through these dark times and powerful forces that confront us.  We find ourselves far removed from any real assistance of the world.  We struggle to carry out Your will and make it to where we are to meet with You.  But for all our struggling, we are no match for what blows against us.  Please use this opportunity to open our eyes.  Let us see You clearly as You are.  Show us in an instant, that these waters and these winds do hear the sound of Your voice and recognize Your authority.  You are in control.  That we have been buffeted may work to our benefit if we are able to learn our lesson.  Thank you, Great Teacher for concerning Yourself with us and for taking the time to teach us. Come, we pray and let us be amazed.

Amen