Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 6-23-21

Mark 6:45-52 (MSG) Walking on the Sea
45-46 As soon as the meal was finished, Jesus insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead across to Bethsaida while he dismissed the congregation. After sending them off, he climbed a mountain to pray.

47-49 Late at night, the boat was far out at sea; Jesus was still by himself on land. He could see his men struggling with the oars, the wind having come up against them. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. He intended to go right by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and screamed, scared to death.

50-52 Jesus was quick to comfort them: “Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” As soon as he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on. They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts.

Sometimes things we read in Scripture can get stuck in our heads. We may work to process the information mentally, but can find ourselves only getting frustrated because understanding eludes us. Here is the reason: Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Therefore, we cannot really understand the supernatural spiritual ways of God with our natural minds. We need to invite the Holy Spirit to bring revelation knowledge (Truth) to our hearts. Then we invite the Spirit to help us understand the Truth we gain. Lastly, the Lord provides Wisdom to know how to apply that Truth to our lives.

In our passage today, the disciples have not been able to make sense of how Christ was able to feed the five thousand on two fish and five barley loaves of bread (with 12 baskets of leftovers), speak to the storm and bring peace, or walk on top of the sea. Where’s gravity during that last miracle? I would struggle trying to mentally process those things, too. That is why Jesus tells us we must trust him; he leads us to the knowledge of the Truth, through understanding the Truth, and into the application of the Truth. Jesus is the Truth and he knows where he is going in the Spirit! So, trust him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for bringing Truth, understanding, and wisdom into my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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