Tuesday, 6/28/2011
Reading: Mark 6:45-56
Reflection: There is much in this story that would challenge the modern view of Jesus. For example, after Jesus' disciples got no rest at the solitary place; after they spent an entire day serving meals and picking up left overs; Jesus now "makes" them get into the boat...clearly they did not want to. Second, when its evening (6-9pm) Jesus sees the disciples straining at the oars. Then, he watches and waits until the fourth watch of the night (3-6am) before He walks out to them. Finally, when He arrives at the boat, we are told that He has no plans to help them out. Rather, He is planning to pass them by. Now, we will talk Wednesday night about what the greater meaning of this might be, but even at a superficial level it seems obvious that Jesus is not overly concerned about the fact that His disciples are struggling against a storm. And, He sees no need to offer assistance. Why might that be? Well, one reason might be that this is testing time for the disciples. Do they believe that this man who can heal people, drive out demons, and feed thousands can help them weather the storm not by coming to their side, but by praying for them from the side of the mountain? Maybe. After all, isn't that what Jesus is doing right now for us. Isn't Jesus now on the mountain of God? Isn't he now interceding for us? Isn't He now aware of our struggles against the storms of life? The question is this: Do we believe that His prayers for us will help us struggle through the storm, or do we expect Him to come and rescue us from the storm? If He chooses to let us struggle, will we stay at the oars or question His goodness? The disciples had not yet learned that lesson...I wonder if we have?
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