Living in the Spirit

July 25, 2021

Scripture Reading: John 6:1-21

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.

Something unusual happened on a body of water at night in a storm, involving Jesus’s walking on water. It is recorded in three of the gospels*. Another story is reported that Jesus was asleep in a boat, a storm arose, and he quieted the water. The disciples express fear of the weather in these stories, causing Jesus to question their faith as he calms the storms. What are we to make of this? Why were the stories significant enough to appear so often?

The past eighteen months have felt like an out-of-control storm or two with a pandemic and a messy election hitting at the same time. We have all longed for a superpower to calm the waters, right our life’s ships, and provide smooth sailing during these challenges. Jesus had presented a fresh and compelling way of being among his followers. However, it was not accepted by the powers-that-be. Therefore, following Jesus was dangerous at times. Doing the right thing, doing justice right is always tricky when the principalities and powers are threatened. Paul describes it this way in Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We must remember this:

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He’s always near
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your presence and guidance as we attempt to sail the seas of life. Amen.

*Also see Mark 6:45-56; Matthew 8:23–27; Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22–25

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.