Scripture: “And the disciples picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces [of the loaves], and of the fish. Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men [not counting the women and children]. Jesus immediately insisted that His disciples get into the boat and go ahead [of Him] to the other side to Bethsaida, while He was dismissing the crowd. And after He said goodbye to them, He went to the mountain to pray. Now when evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on the land. Seeing the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night (3:00-6:00 a.m.) He came to them, walking on the sea. And [acted as if] He intended to pass by them. But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost, and cried out [in horror]; for they all saw Him and were shaken and terrified. But He immediately spoke with them and said, “Take courage! It is I (I AM)! Stop being afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased [as if exhausted by its own activity], and they were completely overwhelmed because they had not understood [the miracle of] the loaves [how it revealed the power and deity of Jesus]; but [in fact] their heart was hardened [being oblivious and indifferent to His amazing works].” —Mark 6:43-52
I noticed in Mark 6, the emphases were on the bread (Jesus) and not on Peter walking on water. (Humm)
The disciples just witnessed Jesus feeding the 12k+ (the throng) having 12 small baskets of broken bread and fish left over. (Which they took with them on the boat). Jesus insisted for them to get in the boat (they obeyed), while He sent the people away and went to pray (always interceding).
vs.48 is awesome 👏🏼
During the 4th watch (spiritual realm activity), pitch-black dark in the middle of the lake (halfway to their destiny), tormented in THEIR rowing against the wind (ever seem tired fighting a battle that is not yours to fight?) – Jesus saw them (from the land, in the dark and through the chaos).
Next thing you know Jesus is walking along on the sea 🌊 AND ACTED AS IF HE MEANT TO PASS BY THEM.
This phrase got me wondering. What kind of person would just walk by a group of men yelling with fear in those conditions?
A man who has everything under control! I AM! Our King! Our Savior! Jehovah Rapha, Our Healer! Our Redeemer! The Great I AM! Hallelujah!
The disciples had just seen Jesus at work, they even had a reminder (the pieces of bread) while traveling to their destiny, but THEY ALLOWED the distractions to keep their eyes off the bread (Jesus). Their trust and reliance were on THEIR rowing instead of Jesus.
- Don’t get out of your boat (the will of God, your safe place under His umbrella/covering).
- Stay in it because you’re almost there! (Where God wants you to be in your faith/destiny).
- Only God will allow the storms in our lives to bring Him Glory and us character (blessings).
The Bottom Line:
Don’t waste His precious blood and His grace by fighting the storm. Just say “Yes Lord, I trust You.” and praise Him as you’ve never praised before! (Remember David was naked in public!)
My Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for always praying and watching over us. Your eyes are ever upon us; You see and know everything! I take great comfort, trusting you are in control, no matter what the circumstances and how I may feel during certain moments. Thank you for your fierce love for us. Where would we be without You? I love you too, Amen.
Our greatest weapon is praise!
🎵Trust and obey ‘cuz there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey 🎶