Amazing Jesus

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 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, 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.” And 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. (Mark 6:45-52 ESV). Our reading today combines Jesus with his disciples in a small boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. It was during the evening hours and the wind had come up making the sea very rough for the small fishing boat. It was a wonderful opportunity for Jesus to instruct the disciples in his amazing grace and power. They were so afraid that they might drown in the storm that when they saw Jesus waling out toward them on the water, they could only believe it was a ghost! Now they really were terrified! First at the storm, then at what they thought was a ghost. Jesus gets into the boat, speaks a couple of words, the winds die down, and everything is back to normal. The disciples are stunned. They simply couldn’t believe what they had witnessed. Jesus had amazed the disciples one more time! I have always wondered why they didn’t get it? They had seen so many miracles at the hands of Jesus. Just hours earlier they had seen him take five small loaves of bread and two fish and feed over five thousand people with plenty left over for lunch the next day! And, they still were amazed. I must confess that no matter how many times I see the wonder of God’s work, I am still amazed. I think this constant amazement of the miracles of Jesus is designed to build our faith. The word "amazed" appears 37 times in reference to people’s reactions about Jesus. Really there’s no other way to put it. There isn’t another word to use as a descriptive for the work of God in the world. It is true today. If we are seeking an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will be amazed. We will be amazed at the peace He provides; amazed at the joy He brings; amazed at the abundance He provides. If God is not amazing you anymore you may need to check your relationship to Him. He is an amazing God! Turn to him and be amazed again!