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Disciples With No Faith
By E.A. Green
| And he said unto them, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark 4:40 |
These questions were posed to the disciples after they had experienced a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee. Read verses 35-41 for the context. The small boat and their combined experience proved to be no match for the fury and violence of the storm. Let us examine the cause of their fearfulness and lack of faith.
Why are ye so fearful?
The word translated “fearful” indicates timidity or lack of courage. His question could be restated thus: “Why did you lack courage in this situation?”
As they set out on this short journey all appeared well. There was no hint of impending danger. Being fishermen they were familiar with the boat and the sea. It was an environment they were comfortable in...but Jesus was in the hinder part of the ship. Could this be the reason for their lack of courage when the “great storm arose”? Remember, Jesus was not included in their activities...he was in the hinder part of the ship.
Is Jesus in the Fore-front of our Lives?
As I reflect on my life, I realize that many of my failures have been because Jesus was in the hinder part of the ship. Like the disciples, I busied myself in my activities with little or no thought of the Lord. When the winds of adversity began to blow, I braced against them in my own strength and wisdom. As I examine myself in the light of this lesson, I conclude that a radical change in my life is needed....I need Jesus in the fore-front of my life....in every activity that I engage in!
"How is it that ye have no faith?"
In the perspective of the disciples, the short trip across the Sea of Galilee was not an activity that required faith. In their view, faith was useful when Jesus was teaching the multitudes or healing the sick, but for the rest of life.... personal ‘know how’ was sufficient. They were “walking by sight, and not by faith.”
All of Life is Spiritual
What a difference it would have made if Jesus had been the Captain of the ship! This lesson illustrates the mind set that is the source of much of our spiritual woes today...Jesus is excluded from the areas of our life which we do not perceive as religious.
What is the solution? We must continually remind ourselves that all of life is spiritual....family, marriage, parenting, employment, and yes...your leisure time.
Yes, all of life is spiritual; a 1st century lesson relevant for the 20th century. This is the view Paul pressed in 1 Cor.10:31.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
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