"You either love it or you hate it." We make that statement about many things in life. Asaparagus, for example. Camping. The music of John Tesh...
...and encounters with Jesus.
Jesus was never middle-ground, and when people had encounters with him, they either loved it or hated it. They were either drawn magnetically to him, like the centurion, or repulsed by him, like the men in verse 34. When crowds gathered around him to see healings or miracles, he always seemed to share a "hard teaching" like the ones in verse 18-22, effectively turning away all those who were only interested in the sideshow or their own personal gain. Meeting Jesus up close turned out to be more than people expected, and more than many people wanted.
How comfortable am I with Jesus? I love Jesus and want to follow him, but I wouldn't put "comfortable" on the list of words I use to describe that relationship. His love is great but his power is intimidating. His teachings are life but they aren't easy. He heals, but he disrupts.
Is your confidence in Jesus off the charts, or do your knees knock when you get too close? Would you prefer Jesus to remain at a safe distance, or do you want to be in the boat when when he calms the storm?
I think I want both of the last two. I want him to remain at a safe distance, but by safe distance I mean far enough away so that I'm not uncomfortable, but close enough to be able to calm the storm.
ReplyDeleteThe disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
ReplyDeleteHe called them, and they dropped everything to follow him. They have seen him heal the multitudes and cast out demons. And as the disciples stare into the face of what they believe is certain death, Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith, and then alters the very world around them. Yes...who is this man?
My Lord, my Savior, my God, my King. Can he be anything else?