Jesus Gets In The Boat.

Mark 6:45-52 (ESV) Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. [46] And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. [47] And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. [48] 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, [49] but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, [50] 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." [51] And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, [52] for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. “For they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” It’s a rather startling phrase. Sometimes you don’t get the writers of the New Testament, they don’t show themselves on their best behavior. I mean, I would never admit to having hardened my heart towards Jesus, or not understanding the loaves, not if I was writing this. Amazing. The disciples themselves had a hard time swallowing Jesus, even as they ate the loaves. But Jesus walking on water, and making the wind stop, that sobers them up a little. You can buck the system if you want, but it will be a long hard row against the wind, and you’ll gain nothing. This is what people do when they want to have Jesus on their own terms. When they want Jesus to be impressed with their works rather than Jesus on the Cross. This is the way of those who want Jesus kissing babies, but not driving out the money changers, or crossing words with the Pharisees. But that isn’t Jesus. He does what he does, when he wants. So call out to him, get him to jump in your boat, it will be better that way than if he walks on by.