WATCHWORD:
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind. Mark 4:35-36
1 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenet. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones. 6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” Mark 5:1-8
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. Mark 5:18-20
Meditation:
You Are a Disciple
Much of the time when we read the Bible we seek to understand what, specifically, is happening, what is the meaning of the parable, or understanding the flow of biblical passage. Do we ever stop and try on the sandals of the fisherman, the mid-set of the disciple, or the transformation of that common man that was a fisherman into a disciple of Jesus?
One of my dear friends, who happens to be a pastor, stresses the need to understand the topography of the area, the geography, and the culture as we read the holy Word. That’s not easy to fully grasp, but it does add depth to the impact that divine power has on common humans in their everyday element.
All but one of the original 12 disciples came from Galilee, and the majority of them were ordinary fisherman, making a living from the lake. They had little background in theology, many could not read, and all had been raised in a culture where Judaism played a significant, influencing role.
In that culture, and in that geography, the Sea of Galilee served as a barrier between Galilee/Judaism and God, on the west side, and the ten cities of the Decapolis (the area we now know of as the Golan Heights), on the east side where Satan dwelled, where idol worship and human sacrifice was practiced, and where the temples of the false gods were located. On top of all that, they ate pork! But there was more. The Decapolis was the center of Roman power, and thousands of Roman soldiers were stationed there. This was an area to be avoided by Jews at all costs.
So, you are a disciple. Well, not quite yet. You had joined others of your friends as you gathered at the house of this carpenter and, overtime, realized that what he was saying was spirit-blessed. So, you followed Him, and, over time, became a disciple. You and all the disciples grew as Jesus ministered in the towns throughout Galilee and Judah, and even ventured once into Samaria. The story was being told.
But, suddenly, there was fear and resistance among the Twelve. The talk among themselves was that “we didn’t bargain for that.” “No! We can’t!” “Why would he want to do that?” Shock, and, in that simple request of Jesus, the cost of being a disciple increased ten-fold.
What had he said? “Let’s cross over to the other side.” The other side! The disciples were not happy, yet, they were followers and they went, and their unspoken fear climbed in the boat. The welcoming committee when they touched the distant shore? A madman, deranged and tormented. Jesus ministered to the man and he was restored, and was told to “go tell others your story.” A short time later when they returned to “the other side” there were crowds to greet them, and the ministry continued.
What happened to the disciple’s fears? The apocryphal Gospel of Thomas tells us that “He knew no fear in the company of Jesus.” As disciples of Christ, we, too, should be able to make that same statement, as we surrender this life of ours to Him. There is no “other side” for us to fear. He is right here in this “boat” we call our life and he reminds us, repeatedly, “Do not be afraid” and He speaks to our storms, “Peace, be still.” So be it.
Bulletin Board:
The mother received a call from school saying that her 12-year-old daughter was sick. She drove to the school, got her daughter, took her home. Called the doctor who called in a prescription. She drove to the drugstore, got the prescription, but when she came out she realized she locked her keys in the car. She called her daughter tell her she would be late. Her daughter suggested she go to the store borrow a wire hanger and use it to unlock her car, saying she saw it many times on TV. The mother tried that but was unsuccessful. She prayed to God for help. At that moment a car pulled up and a very rough looking man stepped out and slammed the door. Not knowing what to do, the mother approached him and asked if he could help. He looked at the car and then at the woman, took the hanger from her, bent it, slipped it between the glass, and in a moment the door was unlocked. She hugged the man and thanked him and asked what he did. He answered, I don’t do anything, I just got out of prison. Then he simply walked away. The mother closed her eyes and offered a prayer of gratitude that God sent her a professional. 😇
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, I come to You today to ask for help. You are my everything. Lord, I need rest. I give You my worry. Take it, Lord. I accept Your peace, love, and understanding. Help me to turn to You and not to myself. Help me to stop doing everything for everyone and start trusting You more fully. Help me to wait on Your answers, because I know that they are good. Give me wisdom, hope, and peace. Thank you, Lord, for Your patience and grace. I love You, and I know You love me so much more than I could ever imagine. Amen.
