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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Life is not always calm and still. Our lives are not always filled with peace.
We face various storms – and globally, storms appear to be increasing in intensity and severity. There are now storms where previously there were hardly any storms.
We move from the parables in Mark to the miracles – from words to works, and we come to Mark Chapter 4 at verse 35. Do read the text. Always check the text.
Four miracles follow – and Jesus Christ is in control of these troublesome situations – dangers – demon influences – and disease that has lasted for twelve years – and death which each of us will face and experience one day.
We see here fear and faith.
The first incident begins with fear and ends with fear – the next begins with fear and ends with faith – the next begins with faith and ends with fear – and next begins with faith and ends with faith. This why it is so important to check the text of the Scriptures – to be sure and certain that that is why is actually there.
Jesus has been seeking some privacy. Jesus needed rest – and so did the disciples – and Jesus needed to be with His disciples to teach and train them.
Jesus is physically weary. Jesus is tired. Jesus is asleep.
The cold wind rushes down from the hills and valley on the western side of the Lake of Galilee – quite suddenly – and stirs up the water.
Jesus is rebuked – the storm is rebuked – and the disciples are rebuked.
Verse 38 - Do you not care about us? Of course, He cared.
Jesus could not have been drowned – but there is an attack on this occasion and the attack is fierce. The whole work of God is in this boat.
“Be quiet.” Be muzzled. Stop jumping up at my disciples. That is the tone of voice in the original.
It is the same word used in Mark Chapter 1 to a demonised man.
When peace returns Jesus rebukes the disciples – why are you so afraid – have you no faith? Fear and faith do not mix.
They are still afraid – because they had seen this amazing power of Jesus.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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