via TJC
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:37-41
Today we start in on the book of Mark. Mark, also called John Mark in the bible, was the cousin of Barnabas and not one of the original twelve Apostles. He worked closely with Barnabas, Paul and Peter, traveling extensively with them and many scholars believe that he wrote his version of Jesus’ ministry around 55 AD, based on the retellings from these men, mostly Peter, who called him his brother because Mark was so helpful in the ministry.
It is very easy to think that the men who traveled daily with Jesus knew everything about Him and understood Him intimately but we know from many stories that this isn’t the case, they were continuously learning more about their master. Even after prominent miracles and Jesus explaining his lessons in detail, the Apostles still struggled to wrap their heads around who their traveling companion was and who could blame them! Three parts in one being, God’s son in the flesh, all knowing and outside of time but also in time, infinitely both kind and just! As with the apostles, we cannot fully understand God because we are not infinite but unlike them, we can reference the thousands of years of people walking with God to help us understand Him. We can look at the countless miracles that have happened to modern people, such as the healings and incorruptible bodies attributed to those closest to Christ, along with the heroic lives of martyrs and saints who embodied Christ as much as was possible on this side of the veil. With so many resources, our faith should be a raging bonfire of trust and love.
Is yours?
Daily Battle Order:
Today, do a checkup of your faith. Start by asking yourself truthfully, “Do I have faith? Can I build my faith on the foundation that has been laid and trust in God to love me and guide me?” Think about what introduced you to God’s love and what you have found that keeps you centered on God. Converse with those around you about what brought them and keeps them faithful to Christ.
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