"And straightway He constrained His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsadia, while He sent away the people. And when He had sent them away, He departed into a mountain to pray. Ans when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land. Ans He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night He cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw Him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: for they all saw Him, and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them, and saith unto them, be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. Ans He went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracles of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."
Mark 6:45-52
The disciples had just come back from their journey where the Lord had sent them out in groups of 2. They had been given power over demonic powers, they anointed people oil for healing and preached the gospel of repentance (Mark 6:7, 12-13). After experiencing what they had, all they desired to do was to be alone with Jesus; a chance to share about their journey, ask their questions and revel in the victories they had witnessed. Jesus pulls them away to a far off desert place (Mark 6:30-32), but they are soon discovered and are followed by the throngs of people clamoring to see, hear and experience Jesus for themselves. The disciples suppose that pointing out the lateness of the hour, and the crowd's need for food will be the excuse to get Jesus to themselves again, but to no avail. After witnessing the miracle of feeding over 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish and gathering up 12 baskets of leftovers, Jesus sends the disciples in a ship to pass over to the other side while He sends away the crowds and then retires to prayer. When a wind arises that makes the rowing of a ship more of a task, Jesus comes to them on the water and scriptures says He would have passed them by. Jesus wasn't being for them what they desired Him to be and their misconstrued vision kept them from recognizing Jesus when He did come to them at the exact time they most needed Him. I don't want to be like the disciples, creating a Jesus to fit what I want and growing resentful when His purpose doesn't fit my vision. My vision, my goals were crucified on the cross when I surrendered myself to the keeping of Jesus Christ.
"Father, make me willing to be poured out for You. And when You don't come to me as I sinfully think that You should, may I remember, "Be of good cheer: it is I, be not afraid.""
It is Jesus, Jesus in me and that sufficeth me.
