Mark 4 is primarily a collection of parables, or stories Jesus used to teach and illustrate. The chapter closes with a narrative telling of the disciples fear in the midst of a storm. As I read Mark 4 this morning, my mind was drawn to Hurricane Gustav. I imagined the disciples riding out the storm in some house or hotel on the Gulf, perhaps even on one of those oil rigs. Understandably, they are afraid. Where is Jesus? Asleep. Maybe that's not an exact parallel, but my mind couldn't help going there.
What are your impressions of this chapter? Do any of the parables really resonate with you?
7 comments:
Yeah y'all, Chapter 4 is encouraging! Like, Mike I too read chapter 4 this morning but I didn't make the great connect with Gustav. What kind of name is ‘gustav’? It sounds Spanish. Anywho- my mind was more focused on the parable of the sower. I prayed v. 20 over and over again. That’s weird because tonight we are having dinner with some folks who are far from God, but we know that God is pursuing them. I just now realized that my prayers this morning probably has something to do with tonight. If you want to join in the prayer for them (and us) they are, Jenn, Billy, Alex and Chloe. Peace- God is good.
I find it interesting that I ciould've sworn that I read the same thing in both sections of this week's lesson. It proves that what the bible says is true, because one event is described by many different people in the same way...
I also understand the lesson about the farmer as well...
One verse in Matthew that isn't in the Mark version is when Jesus says, "I assure you, many prophets and godly people have longed to see and hear what you have seen and heard, but they could not." (Matt 13:17) I love this verse. Like the disciples, we also live in a privileged time, knowing and experiencing the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation. We don't have to trust in Who is to come. We can trust in Who has come. Considering many never have heard, or will hear of His name (in this life), we should be thankful that we even have the opportunity to know Christ. Just one more reason to worship!
It is hard to understand why some people do not believe in Jesus. He is very real and performs miracles today. Kind of reminds me of Bible times when Jesus performs miracles and told about himself and they did not believe. We do live in great times where we do not have to look forward to someone coming. He has come, and when He comes again, he will show His true power! That is exciting.
Just an update- on the dinner we had with our friends. We heard evidence that God is pursuing them is odd ways. My feeling is they don’t see that yet, but it seemed pretty clear to me and Gwen that God is after them. The kingdom of heaven is a marvelous thing and it is sometimes messy.
Thanks for the update j. Earlier in the week I was reading from Acts 12 where Peter had been arrested and was awaiting execution. I think the faith he demonstrates here shows how much he had grown spiritually since the episode in the boat. He will likely die the next day, and it doesn't seem to bother him at all. Now he is like Jesus...asleep. We know he ends up getting delivered by the Lord, but even before that, Peter must have been at peace with whatever might happen because he is able to sleep so soundly. I pray the Lord grows enough faith in me that I can sleep well regardless of my circumstances. And use less antacid. That would be nice too.
Mike, I kinda chuckled at the last comment. Kinda amusing... Antacids all around!
Dad, some people just cannot believe that something so wonderful and perfect exists. If you ask me, the athiests are just pessimists without a religion...
As for me, I fell back a few steps in the proverbial path, but I have that it'll work out if I keep reading and doing this study. I think in the end, we all can only rely on the Power Himself, God! I think that's a name they should add to His big list o' names. "The Power"
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