Daily Readings & Thought for January 12th. “TAKE HEART, IT IS I” 


Our chapter in Matthew (14) has that fascinating story of the 12 disciples caught in a storm in a boat on Galilee.  Jesus had sent them off alone, after the dramatic feeding of 5,000+ “in a desolate place” [v.13] – an event which must have astonished them.

Jesus had heard of the killing of John the Baptist – a heart searching omen for him – and finally he had the chance to be alone “up on the mountain by himself to pray” [v.23] The disciples were in the boat, “but the boat by this time was a long way from land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.” [v.24]

We can see a kind of parallel here – with ourselves alone in the world – and everything is buffeting us and our faith is struggling. Suddenly they see Jesus but “they were terrified” [v.26]

What are we expecting to see as we live in these last days when the world is in increasing turmoil?  Different things are buffeting us – maybe fires that are out of control – maybe a financial mess; things we had relied upon are suddenly uncertain.   We have no clear picture of the final climax, the many passages of Scripture that describe the final climax of the kingdoms of men do not easily fit together.

Those alive then – and that could be all, or at least most who are reading this, must look and listen for his voice. “Take heart, It is I.  Do not be afraid” [v.27]   When Jesus is in the boat all will become calm and what wonder then will follow. Make sure you are in the boat NOW.

 

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