Avec Jésus dans le bateau…
Thank you very much for the comments on welcoming Son 1 back home. I’ve made a few comments on your comments… Wife and I are going to discuss the different suggestions that you made and then fly out the lucky winner. So please don’t make plans, at least any plans you can’t change, for the next few weeks.
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Our Sunday text was Mark 4.35-41. It’s the disciples’ story where Jesus is sleeping in the boat at the same time it’s filling up with water, beaten by winds and waves.
I found 5 hymns in our French song book that deal with Jesus and this miracle (not counting a children’s song). Most are about turning to Jesus when life gets tough. Or just realizing that he’s in the boat with you and so, in the end, all will be okay. A couple poeticize about crying out to Jesus to save us in those difficult times.
But I’m confronted by the text, for in the middle of it stands Jesus’ reproach of the lost-faith-no-faith disciples, a correction that takes place specifically because in their doubt, or because of their doubt, they woke him up. Which leaves us to wonder if they wouldn’t have been more “faithful” to just let Jesus rest and simply ride out the storm in his sleeping presence.
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Our Sunday text was Mark 4.35-41. It’s the disciples’ story where Jesus is sleeping in the boat at the same time it’s filling up with water, beaten by winds and waves.
I found 5 hymns in our French song book that deal with Jesus and this miracle (not counting a children’s song). Most are about turning to Jesus when life gets tough. Or just realizing that he’s in the boat with you and so, in the end, all will be okay. A couple poeticize about crying out to Jesus to save us in those difficult times.
But I’m confronted by the text, for in the middle of it stands Jesus’ reproach of the lost-faith-no-faith disciples, a correction that takes place specifically because in their doubt, or because of their doubt, they woke him up. Which leaves us to wonder if they wouldn’t have been more “faithful” to just let Jesus rest and simply ride out the storm in his sleeping presence.
September 14th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Well you got me thinking … hadn’t ever given that point of veiw any consideration.
September 14th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Yes. Good observation Miseur Brady. You made me think of another “wonder if.” How about the disciples rebuking the winds and the waves? The disciples calling upon God to calm the storm? Speaking later to Jesus, “Hey sleepy head. Man that was some storm you slept through. Not to worry, though, we called upon God and he took care of it.”
The most fascinating part of this story is the idea that sometimes God deliberately leads us into difficult situations that he may show us his power.
September 14th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
I like the last paragraph of your comments, and could have used it last week. Maybe I can preach the same thing again… Like nobody was listening, and squirt that point in.
I don’t see the disciples taking care of the storm, though. According to my reading of the Psalms, Jesus HAD to do that, giving us the all important question “WHO IS THAT GUY?…”
September 14th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
You have to give some “props” to the guy who actually woke Jesus up from his nap.
Do I get to come to Switzerland now?
September 18th, 2006 at 9:21 pm
I’ve noticed that before, too. Before I had usually noticed Jesus’ power and the disciples’ astonishment at his power. When I think of it, the disciples showed faith by turning to Christ in their doubt. The company includes experienced fishermen who know these waters, and the thought process seems to be: (a) let’s manage the situation ourselves, (b) recognize we can’t (c) turn to Jesus (apparently in desparation) for salvation. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do, turn to Jesus for help? And yet Jesus is surely quite serious about their lack of faith.
I think that my characterization of the disciples’ response is also probably wrong. Turning to Jesus in their case involves asking “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (NASB) I do not think that they actually expected salvation from him—their fearful reaction to his display of power is not consistent with their having anticipated his interference. Yet is this what Jesus rebukes? “And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” (NASB) It seems clear that Jesus expects them to have understood by now that they have nothing to fear. I’m fairly sure that this account and the one in Luke place the event relatively early in the ministry. They have nevertheless at least witnessed several miracles, including raising of the dead, heard early teaching and also received the testimony of John. Jesus’ question to them is, Don’t you have faith yet?
So what did Jesus expect them to do? Obviously, to not be afraid: they should have trusted. (Faith here means trust.) And I think that’s all I can confidently extract from his rebuke. I don’t see any hint that he expected them to work a miracle themselves, but, as you suggest, to rest fearlessly in the reassurance of his presence. I might speculate though on the importance of Jesus being master of the situation despite all appearaces; even if we don’t see how we are safe and he seems not to care, it is all due to our lack of faith, and not the reality of the situation.