Mark 6:45-56
Here is another amazing story of the power of Jesus, coupled with the compassion of Jesus. After he had fed the crowd of 5000 or more, he told the disciples to go on ahead of him in the boat, while he dismissed the large gathering. He then took the time to be alone, gaining strength from special time with his Heavenly Father. A storm came up, and Jesus could see out on the lake the disciples were struggling. He walked out on the water to them, frightening them, as they thought he was a ghost, but he reassured them, and as he climbed in the boat, the wind and waves died down.

Verse 51-52 says "They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves, their hearts were hardened."

At this point in Jesus' ministry, the disciples were still learning about who Jesus was. They didn't understand that Jesus wanted not only to heal people's physical needs, but he wanted to heal them spiritually--to bring them into a relationship with his Heavenly Father. The miracles he performed were tools to point to the power of God.

This power was further demonstrated as the boat Jesus and the disciples were in came to shore, and many ran to meet them. All who touched him were healed.

We can still receive his healing touch today--if we turn to him and recognize him as the Son of God who came to bring us eternal life. Jesus can bring us into a right relationship with the Heavenly Father, and in turn, heal relationships here, care for our wounded hearts and bodies. We just need to ask him--to let him into our boats, to reach out to touch him.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:24 AM