Mark 4:30-41 30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Jeff Reed
Hillside Covenant Church
Observation: I see that Jesus actually fell asleep in a little boat rocking wildly on a stormy Sea of Galilee! How can someone relax enough to take a nap in a situation like that? Jesus must have had an amazing level of trust in God!
Action: My tendency, when I face “storms,” is to ramp up my anxious energy in order to solve the coming challenge as quickly as possible. I am going to try to face my next “storm” with a “spiritual nap.” That is, I will choose to initially forego a frantic quest for a solution, and instead close my eyes, breathe deeply, remind myself I am safe and surrounded, and in that safety net let my mind wander to where God will carry it. Such an exercise, I am daring to believe, will lead to better solutions and happy blood pressure!
Observation: Jesus, in both the parable and the miracle, You show that You and Your Kingdom are going to triumph.
Action: I always worry about losing and being defeated. I see here that there is no reason for this. Next time I feel worries coming on (which will probably be later today), I will remind myself about this parable and miracle. I will focus on the Lord whose Kingdom grows like a mustard seed and who stills storms, and so my worries will go away.
Observation: You ask me ‘Why are you afraid?’ because You want to know. Or more accurately, You want me to know why I am afraid. To admit it to myself and others is the first step in defeating the enemy’s plans. When someone I love is sick or in danger, I am afraid. That’s because I love them and I don’t want to lose them or for them to suffer. So yes, when the storm hits, I am afraid.
Action: It’s good to admit I’m afraid when I am (I am whether I admit it or not). But that helps me see You at work in the midst of it rather than hiding behind my own false bravado. And it allows others to step into my struggle and help me through it. So when I’m afraid, I won’t keep it to myself.
Several of the disciples were fisherman. In fact, they probably knew that stretch of water well, and had sailed it many times. For them to be afraid was not an over reaction, they knew their boat and knew what was “inevitable.”
My take away is:
Even in the worst situations, where I “know” the inevitable outcome; God is in control, and he is with me. And that is what makes any situation survivable, and any journey possible.
Observation: Yes, God is in control. I can let go and let God.
Action: Today, when a situation comes that makes me anxious, I will ask “What do You want me to do, Jesus, I am listening.” Also, I will try to quiet my mind today and put myself in a position where I can hear from Him.
love the inevitable outcome insight!
About a mustard seed:.
{32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.}
I hear that even the smallest act,word, moment can be larger than everything& it only takes 1.
I will look for the smaller things to nurture, being aware that ot takes time to grow. I will model this to my kids&extended family.
Father open my eyes to the small things, help me be reminded that it takes 1 seed to grow. Guard my heart against the fear that causes doubt. Teach me to communicate as you do calm, clear& recievable to all I meet.
Amen