Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 14, 2022
Read Mark 4:35-41
35 Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. 37 Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” 39 He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” 41 Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
Good morning! For the joy of the Lord is our strength!
Have you ever been so tired that you slept through the ensuing chaos that engulfed you? Perhaps it was on a noisy bus or in a crowded room. Maybe this is more likely when we are children and don’t carry our burdens on our shoulders. I have seen children sleep through almost anything.
Jesus had been teaching and healing others for hours or many even days. He was tired! Interacting with and supplying the needs of others is exhausting. Teachers know this kind of tiredness. I’m sure public servants like doctors and nurses know it as well. Caregivers give until they must sit or collapse.
Jesus was sleeping even with a major storm whipping the boat in all directions. When he was awakened, the disciples didn’t ask for help. They accused him of not caring! Ouch! If they had learned nothing else in their time with Jesus, it should have been that he cared deeply for all God’s children.
As any good caregiver, he first solved the pressing issue, the battered, sinking boat. Then he took advantage of a teaching moment and rebuked his disciples for their lack of faith. It is easy to understand Jesus’ frustration with his students. They were still struggling with the basic tenet of his teaching: faith.
We, too, struggle with our faith. We want to be in control. We still see problems through earthly eyes. When will we learn to let go and let God? Jesus cares so much for us that he gave his life so that we live eternally. What wondrous love is this that you willingly lay down you life for the salvation of others!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. All of these 2000 years later, we still struggle with letting go and trusting You in all things. Help us! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: In the visible storm, I will trust the invisible God.
Do you believe? Pastor Liz
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