On My Own -- Mark 6:48

“When he saw they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by…” (Mark 6:48 NRSV)

There is probably not a more familiar passage in all of scripture than the one of Jesus walking on the water. Then, of course, there is Matthew’s addition of Peter and Jesus taking that little hydro-stroll together. An account that Matthew is the only one to mention. Nevertheless, water walking is not what captured my attention while researching Mark. What did is that little phrase, “he intended to pass them by”.

Mark is a terse penman. He also adds bits of information that bring color to his accounts that the other writers do not. Not fabrication, but detail. This may be one of those occasions and I rather like it.

Of course it flies in the face of my perception of Jesus to think that he would pass by his disciples when they were in distress, buy why should it? Why does he always have to come to the rescue? Why can’t he just check in, see how they’re doing and let them be? After all, these are fisherman turned fishers of men, they’ve just returned from a very successful mission of preaching, teaching, healing and perhaps even raising the dead, so what’s a little storm on the sea to these guys? Besides, it’s no Perfect Storm. Maybe Jesus figured they could handle it just fine.

I am going to believe that there are those circumstances when God has equipped me with everything I need to do what needs to be done to handle what comes my way. That does not mean He will not walk by and check in on me, that doesn’t mean I don’t pray, it simply means God gave me the gifts necessary, the power of His Spirit, and the information from His Word to do what needs to be done in many situations, then He expects me to act accordingly. The real question is, will I? Or will I wait for him to get in the boat and calm the sea for me?

Father, help me to be a man of action. To take courage and do, not to fear and always call out. In Jesus name.