Monday, August 11, 2014

Pass by Them

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.nImmediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:47-50 (NIV)

Greetings from North Myrtle Beach!
Taking a few days of R&R with my husband.  This morning I am reading from the Book of Mark; came to chapter six and read the words "He was about to pass by them".  Did I read "pass by them"?  Was Jesus really going to leave the men he called to his side by themselves; leave them in the middle of the storm all alone?

Jesus, I am struggling today, are you going to pass me by?  This is our question at times, isn't it?  Just as the disciples were learning more about themselves, they were also learning more about Jesus.

The Great Teacher was shaping the frighten, flesh dependent fisherman how to notice and call on the Lord in the midst of their trouble.  When the storm is raging, the Lord is on the shore watching.  When the Lord enters the troubled waters he is waiting for us to take our eyes off the wave; waiting for us to NOTICE that he is patiently waiting for us to invite him and request his help.

I take much comfort in knowing that I am not alone.  I too am continuously learning; the Lord always teaching me that he is with me. 

At the sight of the tomb we hear the angel of the Lord speak. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7)

See at this time many had learned how to call and look for the Lord.  So here they are at the tomb, looking for him though they thought he was dead.  They had a better understanding of who their master was.  A better understanding, but not complete.

So the women begin to search for their Teacher. Indeed they do find him.  The Resurrected Lord, the Creator of the World, the Redeemer of mankind, ALIVE!

We read that Jesus assures them that he would be with them always even until the end of time.(Matthew 28:20)

He commands them to go into the world and tell others about him. Perhaps the story went something like this for Peter.  When I met the Lord he allowed me to be a student of his.  I remember the day that I was in trouble and afraid, I was in the storm and it wasn't until I called upon him that the storm, the waves became still. I have followed the Master and he has changed me.

I, Jarius was afraid that my daughter was going to die that I knew I had to go see him, to seek his help for my little girl.  I thought it was too late for she had died.  But, Jesus said, little girl get up and breath was returned to her. He must be God!

The testimonies of many are written in the Word of God; the Helper, helping the weak.  The one who Calms the Storm helping the fearful. The "I am" resurrecting the dead.  The Healer helping the sick.

He is forever revealing himself to us.  Have you missed him?  Did you not see him on the shore?  Did you see when he got up and step into the water? 

Learning to recognize Him for he is everywhere, I can't escape him.  This morning once again I was reminded, He is with me.  Thank you Lord!

Have you overlooked the Spirit of God when you were in need, forgot that he is here? It may seem that he is going to pass you by.  Perhaps he is waiting for you to call on Him.

God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com

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