“Some time back,” Stan commented, “we talked about Jesus and the disciples in a boat on a stormy sea.”
“That’s right,” I replied, “how the disciples became afraid of a storm and awakened Jesus, how He calmed the storm, and, in doing so, rebuked not only the storm but the disciples for their lack of faith.” [See Posting for April 23, 2021, “The Double Rebuke.”]
“Correct, my friend,” Stan said. “After that, Mark’s gospel records something about the disciples that has a real application for my faith walk. It’s something they said, and something they didn’t say, but probably should have said.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Mark records that when they saw what Jesus had done in calming the storm, they said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?’”
“Okay,” I replied, “if that’s what they said, what didn’t they say, and how could anything that they didn’t say have any impact on you?”
“It seems to me,” Stan replied, “that what they didn’t say and probably should have said is something similar to what I don’t say to myself way too often. They didn’t and I don’t say, ‘Who am I?’”
“Who am I?” I said. “What’s that mean?”
“Who do I think I am that I can choose to disobey? After seeing that the wind and sea obeyed the One who created them, am I not also part of that creation who is to obey the Creator? Who am I to think I can disobey?”
Continuing, he added, “The disciples saw something that Jesus did that should have caused them to obey whatever He said. It’s the same with me. I have seen the amazing things Jesus has done and continues to do on a regular basis. In light of all of that I have seen and continue to see, what’s up with my disobedience?”
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Bible verses to consider:
They became very much afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark 4:41.
If you love Me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15.
Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use? Romans 9:20.
Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker. Isaiah 45:9.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you so loved the world, including me, that you gave your only begotten Son that all who believe in Him will spend eternity in your presence. I confess that too often I choose to disobey you even though you have shown me your provision that should engender my eternal thanksgiving and desire to obey whatever you have for me to obey. Please help me to follow every step of your lead in truly showing I know who you are and what you have done by choosing to set myself aside and obey you, whatever you have for me to obey. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you acknowledged who Jesus is by accepting the free and gracious gift of salvation, redemption, and a new life through His life, death, and resurrection? If no, why? What is it that is standing in the way of your accepting it by faith? If you do have the assurance of salvation, how are you doing with the part about obeying out of your love and thankfulness for all God has done and continues to do? As well as you would like? As well as God would like? If you sense there is a disconnect between what you say about loving God and your obedience, is that something you want to change? Why or why not? If you want a change, how is that going to happen?
Waiting for the Train 