Verse of the Day 6/30

Verse of the Day 6/30

Mark 6:46-47

English Standard Version

46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.

I've read this passage many, many times before, but as I read it this morning what caught my attention in the verse was Jesus' "taking leave of them".  Some translations say that he sent them away and others that he said good-bye to them, both can be correct.  But it came across to me as happening after the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples are coming off of a spiritual high.  Jesus is telling them, " you guys go on ahead, I've got something that I need to do but I'll catch up with you later, on the other side".

Today's verse indicates what it is that Jesus wanted to do.  He wanted to go off and pray, one on one with the Father.  He wasn't abandoning the disciples, he had his eye on them while he prayed.  Even though he wasn't physically there (visibly), he was aware of their situation and there needs.  He prayed and he would soon get up and meet them at the point of their need.

I read the following in today's "Grace Gems" devotional. "There is something very suggestive in the narrative. This 'boat in the storm', is a picture of 'Christ's friends in this world, in the storms of life'. Sometimes we think we are forgotten--but from His place in glory, Christ's eye is always on us! He sees us struggling, battling with the waves, beaten, and distressed. He has full sympathy with us in all our struggles. It ought to be a great strength and comfort to us in trial, to know this. Jesus intercedes for us in our distresses!"

It is the same with us.  We may not see Jesus there beside us, but he is with us, he is praying, interceding for us, knows our situation and will meet us at the point of our need.  Let us be mindful of that as we head out today.

Blessings, 

Mike 

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Mark 6:45-52
English Standard Version
Jesus Walks on the Water
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night[a] he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.