I want Jesus in my boat.

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus 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?” – Mark 4:35-41

Maybe you’ve said it. Surely you’ve heard it these days, “We’re all in the same boat.” Sounds good. Recognizes that there is a fellowship of difficulty, troubles, and danger to which we all belong. COVID-19, riots, wildfires, politics, economic uncertainties: These winds all swirl through the sails of our lives these days. 

But we’re not all in the same boat. Some boats are more sturdy than others. Some boats have massive engines, high tech guidance systems, a full pantry and modern galley, plenty lifeboats and life preservers. Others are leaky, with oars barely held in place and no extra provisions. We’re not all in the same boat. 

Mark tells us that there were other boats in the armada crossing the lake that night. They were all in the same storm. But only one boat had Jesus aboard. Those in that boat got to see Jesus still the storm. The people in the other boats experienced only the storm’s upheaval, and the sudden quiet and peaceful relief from the storm’s rage. 

That is the delightful reality of Jesus’ intervention in our world. The storms of evil, sin, sickness, and death swirl around us all. Then comes a time of calm, a return to righteousness, a relief from illness, a reprieve from death. People of all sorts and kinds experience it. Many of them are not aware that Jesus is the author of that calm. Jesus is at work healing, calming, saving, forgiving. 

But not all people are aware of it. Many just continue on their way. Oblivious. Unaware of Jesus’ calming grace. Relieved but not thankful to God or for his grace or his deliverance. They are unaware. How sad. 

I want Jesus in my boat. I want to see him in everyday happenings. I want to experience his love and faithfulness in such a manner that I recognize him as the Giver. I want to be in awe of his divine power and gracious goodness. I want Jesus in my boat. Better yet, I want to be in Jesus’ boat. How about you?