Our youngest daughter Hannah has always been up for adventure. During a trip to the beach she was invited to go deep sea fishing. Several relatives were going so she would be in good company. Her uncle Milton, an avid fisherman commented, “Don’t worry! The water is smooth as glass!” But what started out to be a beautiful day quickly turned into hours of hurling into her tennis shoes. The storm became so fierce that even her grandpa, a Navy veteran, feared for their lives.
Mark tells a similar story. Seasoned fishermen suddenly caught in a fierce storm on the sea were so frightened that they yelled at Jesus over the ocean roar, “DON’T YOU CARE?!!! GET UP AND BAIL WATER!” … or something similar. They were completely mortified. Until you’ve been on a boat surrounded by waves that seem bent on swallowing you whole, you can’t imagine their terror. Ask Hannah, she can confirm this.
But then came fear of a different color.
Jesus got up from His rest [He must’ve been wiped-out tired to sleep through such] and spoke to the storm. “Silence! Be still!” Immediate response came from the storm, as in it was no more.
The water was as smooth as glass.
Mark tells us that the men with Jesus were suddenly afraid on a different level. “Absolutely terrified” is the description he gives of them. “Who is this Man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”
Perhaps for the first time, they realized Who was in their presence. This was not just a nice person, a rabbi who came to show them how to be good!
He is God:
Jehovah, the great I AM, eternal Lord of all, Creator of the universe, GOD in the flesh!
And we MUST, like these men, understand Who He is.
Eternity looms like a wave hell bent on swallowing us whole. Jesus is the only One Who can rescue. And we MUST call on Him.
Forty years ago on April 7th, I understood this for the very first time. Until then, He had been a very nice example. But finally like His friends in the boat, I asked, “Who is this Man?”
After Jesus rose from the dead, He said these words to Thomas:
“Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
I pray that you will say with me, and Thomas, the words that will change your eternity:
“My Lord, and my God!”
Refer to the accounts in Mark 4:35-41 and John 20:24-29
“Then Jesus told him. ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’”
Cool! That would be ME and hopefully you too!
So proud of you Lynna. Love you!
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Thank you sweet Dianne! Hope your birthday is happy… no matter what day you celebrate! ; ) It sure means alot that you are proud of me. You have such a great gift of encouragement. Thanks for reading and commenting like you do!
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Wow, hurling into her tennis shoes? Brings up old memories…ha!
God is Lord. I see that more everyday. He does so much and we see so little of it sometimes. It is often when looking back, that I see He was always there. Thanks again for the reminders..
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Bless your heart Carolyn. Forgot that this might not be a great message for you at 8:06 am.
What a day that was. I mostly remember how sweet James was to you. Glad we’ve been friends for these many, many, many years!
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My Lord and My God
Blessings
susie
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Blessings to you too my friend Susie!
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Love it!
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Thanks Nancy. Hava great Easter! Miss you guys.
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