Mark 6:47-52 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:47-52 on biblegateway.com
Verse 47When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. Verse 48When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. Verse 49But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; Verse 50for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Verse 51Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, Verse 52for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Devotion
The most terrifying part of this story is not Jesus’ ghostly water-walking. It is Jesus’ seeming intention: “He intended to pass them by.” As we watch the world around us, it is easy to wonder if Jesus has passed us by, leaving us behind to strain at the oars against adverse winds. But one little cry reminds us that Jesus has not passed us by. Jesus is in the boat, immediately with us, calming the winds and our hearts.
Prayer
Calmer of storms, give us the strength to “take heart and be not afraid” in these times of terror and turmoil. Soften our hearts, that we may be reminded that we are justified not by fear but by faith in you. Amen.