Going It Alone
Why did Jesus not go with the apostles in the boat?
When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 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." Then 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. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. - Mark 6:47-56
I imagine that Jesus felt terrible that he had sent the apostles across the lake alone.
They weren't ready to brave the waters on their own, or maybe he felt they weren't.
Like parents watching their child go off to college, he felt a need to be with them, to accompany them one more time before they would be on their own.
He didn't chastise them for being afraid of the sea, but, instead, told them not to be afraid of him because he was walking on the water.
God wants us not to be afraid to have Him come with us on our journey.
There is no need to go it alone. Jesus wanted his disciples to know this. They will never be alone.
When God calls us to our ministry, whatever it is, He knows we are nervous and afraid. But He tells us to go anyway. Go and do what I tell you, for I am with you.
How comforting that is!
More to come...