Fear Not? Not Likely!
Kenneth Kroohs
II Kings 2:1-15
July 30, 2000
MAY THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH ... AND THE MEDITATIONS OF ALL
OUR HEARTS ... BE ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE TO YOU --- OUR STRENGTH AND
OUR REDEEMER AMEN
We are currently reading a large segment of Mark's gospel in sequence. Two weeks ago we heard that the disciples were instructed and empowered by Jesus and then sent out to teach, heal, and cast out demons. To their astonishment they were able to do these things!!
Last week we heard the disciples return to Jesus' side to tell Him all about it. Jesus told them to go to a quiet place so they could rest and talk -- but the crowds beat them to the place and Jesus, seeing the crowd was like sheep without a shepherd, ministered to them. When it came time for dinner, Jesus blessed 5 loaves and 2 fish which then proved to be enough for over 5,000 people.
And yet, the disciples were still tired .. exhausted .. and maybe so was Jesus. So Jesus ... as we just heard ... made the disciples get into a boat and begin to row to the other side of the lake while He dismissed the crowd and took time for prayer.
Now comes the miraculous part .... don't allow this to interfere with your spiritual life!! Too often people question a passage like this .. the walking on water .. and then feel as if they must throw out everything. Not true! It is perfectly reasonable to read this passage as Mark's attempt to teach a lesson by using a parable-like example. Other people read it as Mark reporting on an event much as the most dispassionate ... shocked but dispassionate modern reporter would do.
I am convinced that neither understanding will affect your eternal salvation. In fact, the only approach that could have such an affect is if in trying to understand these miracle stories a person is driven away from God. And that happens all too often. For most people the miracle stories cannot be the start of a relationship with Jesus .. ...
Kenneth Kroohs
II Kings 2:1-15
July 30, 2000
MAY THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH ... AND THE MEDITATIONS OF ALL
OUR HEARTS ... BE ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE TO YOU --- OUR STRENGTH AND
OUR REDEEMER AMEN
We are currently reading a large segment of Mark's gospel in sequence. Two weeks ago we heard that the disciples were instructed and empowered by Jesus and then sent out to teach, heal, and cast out demons. To their astonishment they were able to do these things!!
Last week we heard the disciples return to Jesus' side to tell Him all about it. Jesus told them to go to a quiet place so they could rest and talk -- but the crowds beat them to the place and Jesus, seeing the crowd was like sheep without a shepherd, ministered to them. When it came time for dinner, Jesus blessed 5 loaves and 2 fish which then proved to be enough for over 5,000 people.
And yet, the disciples were still tired .. exhausted .. and maybe so was Jesus. So Jesus ... as we just heard ... made the disciples get into a boat and begin to row to the other side of the lake while He dismissed the crowd and took time for prayer.
Now comes the miraculous part .... don't allow this to interfere with your spiritual life!! Too often people question a passage like this .. the walking on water .. and then feel as if they must throw out everything. Not true! It is perfectly reasonable to read this passage as Mark's attempt to teach a lesson by using a parable-like example. Other people read it as Mark reporting on an event much as the most dispassionate ... shocked but dispassionate modern reporter would do.
I am convinced that neither understanding will affect your eternal salvation. In fact, the only approach that could have such an affect is if in trying to understand these miracle stories a person is driven away from God. And that happens all too often. For most people the miracle stories cannot be the start of a relationship with Jesus .. ...
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