Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side…
-From Marks Gospel Account 6:45
Once every twelve years, the national elections for the United States, Mexico, and Canada fall within a 12 month run resulting in the madness of an entire continent. But for this moment I am reflecting on our origins.
Before Jesus walked on water towards his disciples, he commanded them to strike their oars directly into a storm. I know when I am against my own headwinds I often forget to expect a dance with the divine.
While discussing this passage from Mark’s Gospel with a few friends earlier this week, someone asked for a related story. What does this miracle mean for those who are looking to live like Jesus? Closing my eyes I began to see Emanuel Leutze’s painting of Washington.
Recalling the story as though I was in the scene, America’s First Commander-in-Chief ordered his tired troops into boats on a snow struck December day sending them directly in to enemy held territory. But Washington did what only few men in his position, in all of history, have ever dared to do. He got in the boat with his men, and led the attack against the Hessians from the front.
George Washington and the Continental Army should have died a hundred times. When America’s First President was asked during and after the war just how an out manned and out gunned militia won their independence, he would simply reply it was by Divine Providence.
As the wind and the waves break in my face, I keep a flame burning in me for the Commander-in-Chief of Eternity. He will get in the boat with you and me. He has and always will lead from the front especially in the thick of the chaos and calamity. He is the generous giver of victories.
Get in the boat and begin rowing.
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.
-From Marks Gospel Account 6:50-51
Until next week,
-Steven
PS. To all my fellow Americans, I hope you had a regenerative day celebrating our Independence.
'He got in the boat with them'. These words took my breath away today. Thanks for sharing.
Steven, I love this week’s message and especially this line - which was perfect for the story and more importantly perfect for life.
“As the wind and the waves break in my face, I keep a flame burning in me for the Commander-in-Chief of Eternity.”