“And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and He was alone on the land. And He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw Him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Mark 6:47-52
Devotional Thought For The Day
We often think that if only we could see something really spectacular, some definite evidence of the reality, presence, and power of God, that then we would be so strengthened in our faith that we would never again doubt or fear. The disciples witnessed many such events, where the power and Person of Jesus was clearly evidenced – and yet we read [in their own words] that “they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” The effect of the miracle of the loaves and Jesus walking on the water was not what we would expect, and quite different than how we think we would react. Yet throughout the Gospel accounts we see this same “hardness of heart,” this same unbelief and lack of understanding exhibited in the behaviors and words of the disciples. I don’t think that we should think of ourselves more highly than the disciples, or that we should assert that our response would be different.
In fact, we witness miracles everyday – and also the reality, power, and presence of God. That we make it through the day in this fallen world of sin, with all of the envy, hatred, and violent malice in human hearts, without being beaten or murdered is a sort of miracle. That there is as much cooperation and civility as there is in the world is a sort of miracle. That we are able to control our sinful nature and engage in acts of kindness, decency, and love is a sort of miracle. That we are able to believe and take comfort in the assurances of God’s Word regarding His forgiveness and mercy, and are able to have comfort and joy in spite of the sin that pervades our lives is a sort of miracle. That the church continues to exist in the world in spite of the apathy and unbelief of many, and the multitude of competing religious lies of the devil is a sort of miracle. Yet, for the most part we remain unmoved – perhaps not “utterly astounded” but certainly with hardness of heart.
Within the church itself many miracles occur – that God’s Word is still taught and preached, that anyone comes to hear and learn, that groups of people work together to make a difference for good in the world, that Christ still fulfills His promise in the celebration of His meal – where bread and wine are consumed in His remembrance and according to His invitation and mandate – giving us His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Yet many hearts remain unmoved and hardened – as if all of this were nothing more than people exercising a particular “religious” bent, asserting superstitions that no one really believes or takes seriously. Yet we think that it would be different if we saw some really spectacular miracle? Sadly, it would certainly be the same for us as it was for the disciples – is the same!
We should pray God to open our eyes, to soften our hearts, and to open our minds to His Word, to what He has promised and asserted, so that we can see each day the wonders of His love, His power, and His gracious presence in our lives. We should pray His forgiveness for our own hardness of heart, and ask that in His mercy and love He would heal us. This would help us a great deal in our focus in life, and in the peace and joy that He wills for us to have. We should especially pray that His Word would come alive with power in our hearts and minds when we read it and hear it – that by faith we would grasp, celebrate, and hold fast to all that is blessedly real. This includes His promises and assurances in regard to the life to come – that even when tragedy touches us, when aging has its way with us, when death comes to us, we will be with Him forever in His blessed heavenly kingdom. This is what He came for, what He laid down His life for, what He solemnly gave His Word for – that we should be blessed to see His miracles. May He grant each of us such wisdom and blessedness!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, after all these years we so often remain like Your original disciples – slow of heart, slow to see, and weak in our faith. Thankfully, we know Your forgiveness and mercy, and Your free gift to us of salvation and eternal life. Keep us firm in this faith, and increase our faith and vision, that we embrace and rejoice in all of the miracles of Your love. Grant us thankfulness and firm confidence in Your Word that we enter into Your joy and give You all praise, honor, and glory. Amen.