He no longer sleeps

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I’m reading this Mark 4 scripture today with a fresh view of this scenario. The message is washing over me and leaving a sweet aroma. Have you experienced this living and active word of God? Well, I invite you to join me in reading this passage with fresh eyes and understanding.

Jesus, at the end of a long day of ministering to crowds of people, suggested to His disciples that they move across the Sea of Galilee. It was evening, and He was looking for rest. So, the disciples got in a boat, and they took Jesus with them. The passage reads that they took Jesus with them “just as he was.” I’m thinking He was exhausted.

Two truths are highlighted to me in my current reading of a familiar passage.

• The disciples said ‘yes’ to Jesus’ recommendation.
• They took Jesus with them.

In your current circumstances, did you take Jesus with you? Did you say ‘yes’ to something you knew He wanted you to do, and now there’s a storm tossing your life about?

Do you remember that Jesus is in your boat? He’s with you. He sees you. And He’s not asleep or unaware or busy with someone else. He slept on earth as He gave Himself over to physical constraints. He was God in the flesh. And He lived limited to His flesh, which needed sleep.

But now He is the Resurrected King. The Lion of Judah. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Prince of Peace. Holy and Righteous. The Alpha and Omega. Ruling and Reigning… He no longer slumbers or sleeps.

He sees you. He hears you. He knows you from the inside out. He loves you. He cares for you. He’s waiting for you.

Whisper your worries. Cry out in your pain. Tell Him everything you think and feel. Call on the beautiful name of Jesus. He knows what to do.

“He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭40‬-‭41‬ ‭ESV‬‬

And just in case you haven’t said ‘yes’ to His plan, there’s hope. I know from personal experience, the unfortunate consequences of numerous times that I set out on my own to accomplish something in my own strength, knowledge and ability. I chose not to take Jesus along to my own regret. But each time I have found myself in a mess of my own making, I’ve whispered “Jesus, help.”

You know it doesn’t make earthly sense that He would continuously rescue me, or you. But when we turn to Him and cry for help, we are confessing our weakness and inabilities without Him. He loves that. Jesus honors a childlike cry for help.

So, to what or to where has Jesus recommended you cross over?

Have you said yes to Him?

Have you asked Him to come with you?

Are you feeling storm-tossed in the middle?

Do you see Him with you?

He’s not asleep. He’s not unaware or disengaged. He’s waiting for you and me to ask for help. Let’s rely on Him, who created the wind, the waves, and us, to bring peace to our lives today.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

Lisa