Vol 6 Cross to the other side...

I decided i wanted to share some of my thoughts and notes from our Young Professionals bible Study group last night. We've been studying the book of Mark, and discussing what Kingdom Living looks like.

Mark 4: On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Jesus had at this point called out His disciples - very publically, healed a few people and proclained that the Kingdom of God was finally here. Using parables He taught them eternal truths. They followed Him, they were curious. They kinda knew He was different, but surely weren't sure why.

So, like obeying Him to follow, when Jesus said "lets cross over" to the other side in this boat - They were like 'sure thing'. He was their leader, so far things were going fine for them so why not?

Well as the story goes Jesus falls asleep down below deck and Hid fishmen friends, the strong zealot, the powerful tax collector etc are left to battle some rising wings.

They row and row. They probably started throwing things overboard and screaming ran down stairs saying to Jesus - Don't you care we're Perishing? (WOW)

I guess i never thought abt this until We discussed it last night. What they were saying was "You called us to leave our net, and we did. You publically declared us to be your followers, all twelve of us and so we've been following you for a while now. So today you're like "lets go over there" and just like that when things get tough you bail"?

They weren't questioning whether or not Jesus could calm the storm - Cause by their reaction they obviously hadn't even considered that  possibility. They weren't questioning His sleeping habits. They were questioning Whether or not He cared.

It's interesting that at times of worry although i know God is able, although i know He is loving and faithful and merciful - sometimes i find myself screaming for a little sign; a sign that He cares.

Jesus get's up and calms the sea(easily), turn and says "Why the little faith?" (Why didn't you believe?)

I've definately been through enough inn my life to know not to ask that question anymore. I hope next time there's a storm instead of screaming at Jesus "Don't You care that i'm perishing?" I say "So um, time to get out and walk across?" :)

Pastor Brian Onken said this last night during bible study as a side note; 'If you are not used to hearing the voice of Jesus when the sea is calm, you're not going to hear Him over the raging sea'!