This week I am studying Mark 6:45-52. I am also referencing Matthew 14:22-33. Each week as I pick a passage, I meet with a group of Christian men and present what I am studying. They listen to what God is saying to me about the text as well as what I have gleaned in my studies. Then, my favorite part happens, they give me their insights and responses to what God is saying to them. This week was fun because it really seemed to hit us all right where we are living. We were absolutely captured by Mark’s account.
In context, Jesus had just finished teaching and performing the miracle of feeding the 5,000 men along with women and children (5 loaves and two fish). HE, then tells the disciples to head out in a boat across the lake to the other side. He gives them no explanation or instructions as to what would happen next or even how HE planned to join them. They just obey and do it. Have you ever felt like GOD was really pressing upon you to do something and you didn’t understand why, but you just knew you had to do it? The disciples had to be thinking things like: It’s getting really cloudy bro, or how are you joining us, or even what are we doing once we get over there? I think it is worthy to note they did what they obeyed him and did what they were told regardless if they received an explanation. Jesus said to, that was enough.
Now, as you read further, you find that a storm in fact does come in and they guys begin to struggle. Jesus is praying and hanging with His Father and doesn’t head their way until the “fourth watch of the night”. In the English Standard Version (the best translation from the original languages in my opinion), verse 48 reads: “they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them”. One of the definitions from the Greek for the word “painfully” is translated as a type of physical and emotional torture. So, you can see that the disciples obeyed and received a struggle in return. As I continued, I thought, these dudes had to be wondering “why Jesus would do this”? Then GOD said “Matt, many times I will not reveal to you the “WHY” on this side of eternity, just the “WHAT”. It is your job to trust ME and worship ME no matter the ease or difficulty of the task. How does that hit you? It is wrecking me. The cool thing is the scripture says the disciples were still making headway. Even though it was painful, they were doing it! They were advancing! Often obedience is difficult and painful, but if we feel GOD clearly asked us to do something, if we do it, we will be making headway!
Now look at verse 48-50: Jesus comes walking out on the water, not bothered at all by the elements that cause the disciples their painful struggle. In fact, he almost cruises right past them. He comforts the guys, get’s in the boat and everything becomes calm. It’s the finishing touch to this section of the text. I felt like GOD was saying this “Matt, you see, things that throw you around and bother you don’t even budge me ME. I AM GOD. So, obey ME when I speak to you, trust ME, hold onto what you know of ME even if you don’t know the ‘WHY’. If you do, you will make headway in your growth in ME and toward ME. When it is time, I will calm things down because I control it all”.
I submit this from my heart to you not knowing where you are today in your walk. I hope this will encourage you. I pray that GOD, through HIS HOLY SPIRIT will woo you to trust and obey HIM even if you can’t see the “WHY”.
RECONDITIONme 