But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50 NAS95)
Jesus had a busy day and a late night. He’d finished teaching and modeling the Kingdom sourced life and sent His friends, the disciples, across the lake. He bid farewell to the crowd that lingered, and afterward departed to pray, a typical habit of Jesus. In the meantime, the wind rose and the rowing grew hard on the lake. The hour had grown late and the disciples felt the tiredness and the tyranny of the rowing, maybe even doubt and fear crept in, as the trip moved more slowly than usual across the lake. Rowing into the wind exhausted them, especially as the hour stretched past 3 a.m. About that time an apparition appeared in the distance, almost human in form. Fear turned to anxious fright as they noticed. Nothing in the life of these men, some experienced fishermen, could explain what they saw approaching.
Their fears grew strong and cries rang out in hopes someone would hear. An unintentional prayer formed. Then a loud, gentle whisper entered their horrifying experience from seemingly nowhere. The force of the whisper breathed calmness into their bones, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” Jesus knew. The feel of His words quieted and soothed their hearts, and fright moved to astonished gratitude as the winds abated and their Friend entered the boat. Communion with Jesus brings serenity and embrace as the whispers He utters stroke the turmoil of the disciples’ hearts. They often come as whispers from nowhere, but they always clarify His love and presence with us. Gentle whispers of Jesus waft to embrace and calm our hearts in the turmoil of life. This truth carried the disciples through the early years of Kingdom expansion. The same remains true for us. Converse and listen.
For Reflection:
“Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God;” (Psalms 62:11 NAS95)
- How aware are you of the calming and gentle whispers of God as you pray in the midst of turmoil in your heart?
- In what sorts of situations have you experienced the calming presence and whispers of Jesus? What made you aware it was Him?
