By Nancy Boote
Read: Mark 6:45-51
“He got into the boat with them.” (v. 51)
What makes you feel afraid? I am afraid of bees since I am allergic to them. I am afraid of falling now that I am older. I also have deeper fears of being rejected.
We all have things that make us afraid - think for a moment of your own fears for your own and your loved one’s physical and emotional safety.
In our Bible reading today, the disciples were afraid. After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus had left the disciples to go up a mountain to pray, first sending them ahead of him on the Sea of Galilee.
When he saw the disciples struggling in their boat against the wind, he came to them walking on the water (v. 48). The disciples were frightened when they saw someone who looked like a ghost walking towards them on the water (v. 49). I would have felt the same way, wouldn’t you?
But Jesus told them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (v. 50). Jesus, the one who made the seas and the wind, was telling them, in effect, “I’ve got you.” Do you believe this?
Don’t be afraid. You are not alone in your fears. Jesus comes to you as he came to the disciples. He also says to you as he said to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (v. 50).
How will you respond? Will you welcome him into your boat? His presence can calm even the fiercest winds you are facing. May you feel his peace today.
As you pray, give Jesus your fears.
—————
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, lives in Holland with her husband. She serves in a variety of leadership positions within the denomination. Besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy enjoys taking prayer walks, hiking in nature, mentoring, and has a heart for justice matters.
Read: Mark 6:45-51
“He got into the boat with them.” (v. 51)
What makes you feel afraid? I am afraid of bees since I am allergic to them. I am afraid of falling now that I am older. I also have deeper fears of being rejected.
We all have things that make us afraid - think for a moment of your own fears for your own and your loved one’s physical and emotional safety.
In our Bible reading today, the disciples were afraid. After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus had left the disciples to go up a mountain to pray, first sending them ahead of him on the Sea of Galilee.
When he saw the disciples struggling in their boat against the wind, he came to them walking on the water (v. 48). The disciples were frightened when they saw someone who looked like a ghost walking towards them on the water (v. 49). I would have felt the same way, wouldn’t you?
But Jesus told them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (v. 50). Jesus, the one who made the seas and the wind, was telling them, in effect, “I’ve got you.” Do you believe this?
Don’t be afraid. You are not alone in your fears. Jesus comes to you as he came to the disciples. He also says to you as he said to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (v. 50).
How will you respond? Will you welcome him into your boat? His presence can calm even the fiercest winds you are facing. May you feel his peace today.
As you pray, give Jesus your fears.
—————
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, lives in Holland with her husband. She serves in a variety of leadership positions within the denomination. Besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy enjoys taking prayer walks, hiking in nature, mentoring, and has a heart for justice matters.
