Have you ever asked the question; Why did Jesus get in a boat and go across the lake?
Jesus performed miracles on the lake. Of course that was a primary purpose of His journey across the lake. Yet there was another purpose.
Spiritual warfare is tiring.
If you recall, Jesus was sleeping in the middle of a storm. He was tired. He needed a pause from ALL the people and apparently, He was also preparing – He was close by – He was calm. So calm, that He calmed the storm.
Matthew 8: 23-27 CSB
Wind and Waves Obey Jesus
23 As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves—but Jesus kept sleeping. 25 So the disciples came and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!”
26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him!”
Wednesday evening this week, my wife and I went on a night paddle on a local lake. What a beautiful relaxing time we had. For me, it was the most relaxing thing I have done since February. I actually took a moment and closed my eyes and just floated for a little while, almost falling asleep. Here we are up-close.
There is another interesting point in this scripture that I want to talk about today. Would you follow Jesus? Would you get in your fishing boat at that time of night and cross the lake? It was much safer to go by land. Would you do it His way, even though it would have been safer to travel by land? The disciples kept close to Jesus. Can you imagine how close they felt to Him? I can feel it. Can you?
Sometimes, Jesus asks us to do things we don’t really want to do. We have a choice. We can get in the boat, or we can go a different way. That choice can be really tough sometimes. Fear can cause us to make the wrong choice. Hopefully we can SEA to make the right choice out of love. Love for Him. When we do make that right choice, I have witnessed: He is close.
Maybe the disciples said to Jesus, “We are ALL in the same boat.”
Peace to you on this Friday. Follow Him – His way – He is close.
YES – That’s FUN.