David Bahn – Reflections

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” ³⁶ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. ³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. ³⁸ But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” ³⁹ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”⁴¹ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

This account of Mark is an account of a miracle. Jesus intervenes in the midst of a tumultuous storm on the Sea of Galilee stilling the storm and calming the waves. The disciples are amazed when it’s all over and even wonder at his ability to command the waves and the wind.

But this story is also part of a larger story. It began the prior day with Jesus’ teaching and healing which ended in an exhausted Jesus who falls asleep in the boat. It will continue when Jesus and his disciples reach the other side and are met by the man possessed by many demons (Legion is the demon’s name).

We have much with which we can identify in this story – if not directly with having experienced a miracle. We’re all on a journey through life. Jesus goes with us – whether we realize the significance of that or not. We may be tired, or we may be in the midst of a tumultuous time in our lives. And we’re all on a journey through life.

With that in mind, perhaps we do well to embrace the blessings of Jesus’ presence with us wherever we are. He is with us. He has all power. His intent for us is good. That makes us ready tomorrow – no matter what tomorrow may bring.