“That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Let’s go across the lake.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with them. A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves came over the sides and into the boat so that it was already full of water.”
Mark 4:35-37 NCV
Jesus Christ never did anything while living on earth, without a purpose. So when He “suggested” to His followers to go for a boat ride across the lake, they immediately got into their boats and headed that way, knowing the life of Jesus was purposeful always.
Part way across the lake a strong storm came up. In order to alarm these men who basically lived their lives on the water, it must have been more than the normal storm, and the Word does say, “A very strong wind came up. The waves came over the sides and into the boat.”
I am sure we have all had storms come upon us in life, and somehow made it through, with God’s direction and help, or some by hard work, perhaps not willing to admit that God was in the solution. But the storms we were in, previous to late 2019, were not affecting persons worldwide such as COVID-19, and extending over a time period greater than 18 months, and still going.
This COVID-19 storm has been used as the cause of many other smaller, yet harsh storms as well, such as even family members arguing over treatment / preventative actions being good or bad, and beyond that Christian friends, congregations, denominations, disagreeing, in not very amicable ways, on actions, and non-actions regarding this storm we are going through.
Let’s consider what the disciples did when the storm was out of control.
“Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are drowning!””
Mark 4:38 NCV
If I can interject personal thoughts.
What a thing to say to Jesus. Jesus had been with these men, and they had seen Him heal sick persons, order evil spirits from persons, heal those who had been paralyzed.
Why would they ask Jesus if He doesn’t even care if they, His friends and followers drown?
They woke Him up to ask that question. Why would they not ask Him to take care of the storm and calm the winds? They had Jesus, the Creator of all, right there with them.
This brings me back to our situation, speaking as a Holy Spirit Filled, Born again follower of Jesus Christ, who has seen, witnessed, experienced healings and miracles done by Jesus Christ, and trusting, believing, knowing, because of God’s Word, Jesus Christ is the same today in 2019-2020-2021, into 2022 and beyond, as He was during the days and years He walked on earth, calming storms, healing sick.
Rather than bickering, arguing about what is right, and why it is, and stating all that is thought wrong, and why it is, and calling people names who do not agree with whichever side a person is parking their beliefs on, again, even among individual Christ followers, and church bodies, why not seek God’s mind, in God’s way?
For all those who are struggling with others, why not have a study of God’s Word, with others of a different persuasion, and a time of prayer. It may take more than once or twice of getting together, but would it not be worth it to restore relationships, and keep God’s Family from division.
Everyone should realize the plan of the enemy of our souls is to divide and conquer. When non-believers see and hear Christ followers arguing, and name calling about their beliefs and thoughts, when both sides say they worship the same God of Creation, Salvation, Redemption, Forgiveness, Mercy, Grace, and His Name is Jesus Christ, how will they be drawn to the Saviour?
When the disciples were in the boat when the storm arose, Jesus was physically with them.
Now, as we go through storms, even this COVID-19 storm, as well as all the storms resulting from it, each Christ follower has the Holy Spirit Of Christ within us. He drew us to Christ, continues to teach us of Christ, and will teach us, and reveal the Truths of God’s Word to us, with understanding, since it is He, the Holy Spirit, Who inspired each writer of the Word of God to put down exactly what our Heavenly Father wanted in the Scripture, and desires us to know.
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
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