Mark 6:50-52: “For they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”
When I read in Mark how twice Jesus rescued the disciples from literal life-threatening storms on the sea, I have been impatient with these men. Jesus rescues them in Mark 4:35-41 by merely rebuking the wind and declares: “Peace! Be still!” Jesus portrayed His divine power over nature right before their eyes! Mark 4:39 then states: “And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” The disciples struggled with faith versus fear.
Then these same men were caught in another storm at sea, in Mark 6, just two chapters later. The ESV says in verse 50 that Jesus told them “Take heart.” The NIV says “Take courage!” In this verse the Greek word tharseo is used and means “be of good cheer.” It has to do with having strong confidence. Jesus was telling the disciples to be emboldened with courage – unflinching courage. They needed to have that inner, bold courage, empowered by God, that comes from standing firm that God has this! These men had already witnessed and forgotten the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5000 people just minutes before, let alone being saved from a previous storm at sea (Mark 4). They saw it but didn’t get it because they were insensitive to the truth concerning the deity of Christ, despite witnessing miracle after miracle that Jesus performed. They were shocked that the wind suddenly stopped by Jesus’ command, and the water was calm. So now they struggled with fear plus hardened hearts. My reaction is, “Come on! Don’t you get it? How can you forget so quickly? What is wrong with you? You witnessed miracles that Jesus executed right before your eyes, and yet you don’t even fully know Him! You were involved in Jesus’s teachings, healings, and miracles performed yet you still did not fully believe in Him. How could you forget so quickly? Really?”
I have to now point the finger right back to myself. I am no different. I need to take hold of the spiritual lessons that the disciples failed to learn regarding knowing God more fully and abiding in Him one day at a time. How many times hasn’t Jesus astounded me too with His provision and protection despite my shortcomings?
Questions
How can Romans 8:28 (God works out everything for our good), help in fighting against discouragement? Review how He has shown that to you in the past.
How can you know God better today than you did yesterday?
Often after experiencing a high mountain experience of spiritual blessings, a new burden will arise unexpectedly, and it is easy to fall off the cliff. Each unique experience of testing demands more faith and courage – even just the size of a mustard seed. Take courage. Remember what you too have forgotten of the miracles God has completed and demonstrated in your life.
“Even a disciple of Jesus Christ can develop a hard heart if he fails to respond to the spiritual lessons that must be learned in the course of life and ministry.” Warren W. Wiersbe.
Notice that two words have the same letters but are spelled differently: SILENT & LISTEN. There is a time to do both before the Lord as we remember past blessings we have forgotten.
Listen to Lauren Daigle’s “Wordless” Lyric YouTube video.
Thanks, I think I need to sit and ponder His word, after reading your blog today. Hugs! Sharon
Thank you Sharon! I need to remember past blessings more often. Still learning.