May your Word feed us today. Help us to understand the reality that you are the Bread of Life. Protect us from unbelief which leads to hardened hearts. Amen.
Scripture Reading - Mark 6:45-56 (ESV)
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 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.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Jesus, we see you wholly in relationship with the Father as you go up the mountain to pray. You exist in absolute communion with the Father. Oh the beauty of your fellowship with one another. Thank you Lord Jesus, for asking the Father for this same relationship of love to be established among your followers. Thank you, Father for loving us as you have loved the Son. (John 17)
Lord Jesus, we hear your voice today saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." We confess that you are our God. You have promised to strengthen us and help us. You will uphold us with your righteous right hand. Thank you for walking with us, Savior, and strengthening us as we follow you. (Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 4:17)
Father, please forgive us for when we respond to your Word in unbelief. Jesus, we see your response to those following you in their unbelief- you were utterly astounded when they still did not understand about the loaves. Their hearts were hardened. We, too, are at times resistant hearers, not wanting to hear the truth. Thank you for patiently telling us the truth again and again. Help us to receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save our souls. (James 1:21)
Oh the wonder, Lord Jesus, that you came to heal sinners! As we come to you, spiritually poor and needy, we ask for your healing touch. Take away our sin, cleanse us from all unrighteousness. With joy, we draw water from the wells of salvation. And, we bring our praise to you, Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 12)
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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