Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch.5 NASB, Ch. 6 NLV

Associate Producer

Anonymous, Anonymous, Michael Haner

Podcast Introduction

This is Gospels Saturday. Our chapters are Mark 5-6, and we’ll read about several of Jesus’ miracles. I’m calling the episode “ Is It Time to Quit?” 

Speaking of quitting, today the Lovely Lady LeeAnn are celebrating 33 years of not quitting. 

On Sunday, December 31st, 1989, George H W Bush was president of the US and Margaret Thatcher was PM of the UK. Phil Collins’ Another Day In Paradise was number 1 on the charts, The War of the Roses was number 1 at the box office, and skateboarder Ryan Sheckler was being born. 

And a 35 year old me & and ** year old LeeAnn made a vow to God and to each other to never quit. I would be less than truthful if I said we never had a fight (our first year was…interesting LOL), but quitting has never been an option. I can honestly say that I love her more today than the day I married her, and literally every day I love her more. I am a blessed man, indeed. And I thank God every day for her. I love you Sweetheart. 

Of course this is the last day of the year. Just about time to close the book on 2022 and start a brand new one called 2023. Ready or not, here it comes. 

Design: SWS | Photo: Tory Hallenburg on Unsplash

Comments on Mark 6

Let’s look at the end of chapter 6. Jesus sent His disciples across the sea of Galilee, and he wanted some time to himself to go up a mountain to pray. The Sea of Galilee is the largest lake in Israel at about 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, and at its deepest point, it’s about 150 feet deep. 

Notice that Jesus sent the disciples. He could have ridden in the boat with them, but he chose to stay so that He could have some time alone to pray. The text says that He went up the mountain to pray. There’s something about being alone and on a hill or mountain. There’s a place here in Riverside called Mt. Rubidoux that I have spent a good amount of time. When I was in college one of biology teachers taught me how to rock climb there, and I’ve been back many, many times over the years. It’s called Mt. Rubidoux, but it’s only a little less than 500 feet taller than the surrounding area. Not really a mountain, right? But I have had some really good times of prayer up there. Being elevated, with a view of the surrounding area, away from people, can be really conducive to having a good conversation with God. 

Mt. Rubidoux | Photo: Steve Webb

So while Jesus was on this hill, a storm came up when the disciples were about halfway across, with the wind coming directly from the direction they were going. Don’t believe me? Our text says, “Jesus saw that they were in a lot of trouble as they rowed, because they were going against the wind.” And they must have been rowing most of the night, so all the light they might have had was the stars and the moon, if the moon was even out. Have you ever been on the water, away from any lights, in the middle of the night? It can be pitch black. The disciples were understandably frightened. Even the seasoned fishermen were probably afraid.

Ok. Now I know that Jesus was man as well as God. Do you suppose He knew that the storm was going to come? As God, He certainly would have. But as man? I’m not entirely sure. We do know that He knew some things in advance, but all? I just don’t know. But I have a hunch He did. Here’s why.

Even though they were doing what he told them to do, or put another way…they were in His will, the storm came up against them. They had to struggle with all of their might to stay in His will…that is, going across the lake. They could’ve said, “The wind is coming from the direction we are supposed to go. It’s too hard. Let’s turn around. Or let’s tack. We can make headway if we tack.” (Tacking is taking a zig-zag course that allows you to make headway against the wind.