January 12 Safe Travels

John 6:16-17 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.
 
THE day had been another extraordinary time in the disciples’ lives. The one they called “Master” “Teacher” “Rabbi” and “Lord” had done remarkable work on a mountainside in Galilee. Had they truly seen with their own eyes that a few loaves and several fish fed some 5,000 men plus thousands of women and children? How thrilling to watch Gods miracles! Each day something new and wonderful demonstrated Jesus’ power over sickness, demons and nature. Surely, this is YHWH in the flesh, isn’t he?
   With such thoughts likely on their minds, the disciples began to row across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had left them to be alone in an unknown place. Perhaps, they thought, he had found a way back across the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida or Capernaum, where most of the disciples lived. It was time for them to go home, too. They could easily cross the sea. Some had spent many hours on these waters and knew how to handle a boat if any storm or obstacles would arise.
   As we’ll see in our next lessons, the disciples will need some help through a sudden storm. In the storm-savaged, deep waters, they will experience and even deeper understanding of Jesus’ power and his peace.
   Each day most of us travel on pathways we know. We understand the best way to get to a destination or to complete necessary work. We can even navigate through challenges that arise.
   But what happens when threats against our well-being and security arise? Do we become frustrated or even afraid? What would be our emotions, though, if we pursued Jesus’ power and peace in those situations? Might we consider the depth and breadth of Jesus’ extraordinary love is greater than any threat, any barrier? Would personal conflicts and family arguments stop, for example, if we remember Jesus’ humility before his accusers? Might our hearts remain at peace amid life’s storms if we trust the Holy Spirit is our Comforter?
   The disciples would discover they needed Jesus even on the familiar waters. So do we. Storms are always ready quickly arise. Let’s keep God our Father, Son and Spirit on our minds, hearts and tongues as we journey through each day. He will help us securely journey toward our heavenly home.
 
Prayer: God, my Father, Jesus, my Lord, Holy Spirit, my Helper, keep my mind on you. Amen.