WDJS # 41

“Quiet! Be still!” Mark 4:35

This is NOT a command from your mother when you were little! And this isn’t even a command from Jesus directed at me, or you! It’s a command to the winds and the waves! Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee again and the Master took advantage of the opportunity for a little power nap or sorts. A storm came up and as the disciples became distraught with fear of impending doom, Jesus was in the back of the boat sleeping on a cushion.

“Don’t you care if we drown?” was the approach used to awaken the Master by these followers of the One whom they had just observe casting out demons and raising the dead. How quickly they forgot when things got tough again. I’m glad I’m not like that!!  I’ve found it quite easy to be a Christian and live for Jesus– when everything is going along smoothly. But let a difficulty come and I can sometimes be right beside the disciples, wondering what happened to God and where He was when I really needed Him. I guess maybe I AM a bit too much like them!

What I like about this story is the evidence that Jesus wants me to have faith in Him, but is still loving and understanding when I don’t. He commanded the winds and the waves and they obeyed- “the winds died down and it was completely calm.” THEN, after He had solved the problem, He took advantage of the teachable moment (while the disciples were standing there in the boat, soaked and with their mouths hanging open in disbelief! “What kind of man is this that even the wind obeys Him?”) and reminded them- AGAIN- that they could trust Him, in the good times AND the tough ones. I like the “again factor.” Jesus doesn’t seem to operate on the “I’ve told you once and you better remember,” but on the “Let me remind you- again- that you can trust Me,” teaching method. I’m glad I serve a loving and understanding God who doesn’t let me off the hook when I fail to trust, but is willing, again and again, to help me learn how to trust Him with my WHOLE life- ALL the time. And when I fail to remember this He can still calm the storms and then remind me again- “you CAN trust Me.”

Have a great day learning to trust and knowing He’ll still be there when you forget,
Pastor Rich

Quote for the Day: “It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.”

PS @ 4 City Mission- help prepare supper and tutor the kids who are living there. Meet in Rees Hall lobby.

PPS Vespers. Join us in the church @ 7:30. Mission Emphasis week comes to an end with news from and about our volunteers around the world. Come watch the Skype and listen to the stories and experiences that may give you a good reason to think about and pray about being a volunteer. Also IF you still have not submitted your question do so today
uc.missions@gmail.com

Did you know that you can watch any vespers program at Union streamed live or archived!! Check it out www.ucollege.edu/uclive

PPPS Afterglow, something different each week after vespers. This week, it will be presented by Emily and IRR and will meet in the Young Adult Room of the church (downstairs in the new section). Skits, games, food and a live band!

PPPPS – Sanctuary study @ 9:30 in Rees Hall Worship Room