Meet with God, Part 8

“When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea and [Jesus] was alone on the land. He saw them straining at the oars because the wind was against them. As the night was ending, he came to them walking on the sea, for he wanted to pass by them. When they saw him walking on the water they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them: ‘Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.’ Then he went up with them into the boat, and the wind ceased. They were completely astonished, because they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” –Mark 6:47-52, NET

Notice how Jesus came to the disciples. While they strained against a storm, “He came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by,” (v.48, NRSV). Sound familiar?

“[God] said [to Moses], ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’” –1 Kings 19:11a, NRSV

“While my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.” –Exodus 33:22, NRSV

Let the psalmist set the scene:

“The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and trembled. Yes, the depths of the sea shook with fear. The clouds poured down rain; the skies thundered. Yes, your arrows flashed about. Your thunderous voice was heard in the wind; the lightning bolts lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook. You walked through the sea; you passed through the surging waters, but left no footprints.” –Psalm 77:16-19, NET

Woah!

Jesus was not disregarding his disciples by His trajectory. He was manifesting His divinity before them. Who directs the clouds to “swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them,” (Job 37:12)? Who hurls a windstorms upon unsuspecting men preoccupied in worldly affairs (Psa 107:23-27; Jonah 1:4)?

However, though they were “completely astonished” (v.51), it was not from wonder and awe. Rather, because “their hearts were hardened” (v.52), they lacked the faith to receive the Word fully, to see Jesus for who He is, and were therefore confused by His activity.

O, LORD, correct my vision. Give me eyes of faith to see Your true glory. Let not my heart cling to any preconceived idol that is unworthy of Your holy character.

Let us open up His marvelous word today in full faith, letting His name (who He is) wash over our minds. Then, when His goodness passes us by, we will be awed by the wonder of His majesty.