Day Forty-four: What’s Fear Got to Do with It?
“40He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” – (Mark 4:40)
Yesterday, we discovered that noise hinders our ability to hear Jesus. Maybe another way to look at this is to say that natural noise impairs my spiritual ears from hearing. After Jesus calmed the storm, He asked an important question. Why are you afraid? Odd question, but very important. We see that their fear wasn’t centered around His kingdom’s purposes being unfulfilled. They weren’t concerned that people were going to die without a full persuasion that Jesus is the Messiah. They were afraid for their well-being.
Look, I am the first to admit that I love an outstanding adventure until my life is at risk. I want the thrill of the experience without the risk of severe injury or death. What can I say? I like my adventures with training wheels and side bumpers. Honestly, who doesn’t? However, is it possible that the Field Trip Jesus had planned was required to reveal what had to be addressed before they could move any further in their calling? After all, fear keeps us from pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6). Until the storm, I do not believe that one of the disciples would have admitted that they were afraid. Neither do I think they would have been aware of the amount of “self” that was driving their zeal for success.
You see, fear cost you faith. And, a lack of faith causes you only to see yourself. And, well, “self” will always be in opposition to Jesus’ kingdom. So, naturally, Jesus needed to address this with them. He needs to address this issue with us. If you are facing a storm and you are asking if Jesus cares, maybe He is responding similarly to you as to His disciples? “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Why are you still so worried about yourself? The love of Jesus does not invite you on a journey where His love cannot or will not keep you.
Blessings,
Andy Smith