By miraculously walking on water, Jesus revealed his divine presence to the Apostles. Yet their reaction was not a worshipful joy and humility; rather it was panic and terror.

Their reaction revealed their functional understanding of Jesus on a profound level. Whilst they heard his teaching and saw his miracles, they did not possess the spiritual and psychological framework for understanding what was right in front of them – Jesus is both human and God.

Yet for us the divine presence of Jesus is still available. In fact God promises to meet us in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances: through the Word of God, the sacraments and the prayers; but also through visions, dreams and prophetic insights.

As a church we are called to gladly receive all these gifts as God intends to demonstrate his presence to us, joining his Holy Spirit to these ordinary and extraordinary means.

Mark 6:45-52

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Check out these related sermons by David Varney from our Prayer series:

Prayer: Invitation

Prayer: Approach

Prayer: Praxis