Take Heart

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50

Does it seem at times that you are battling headwinds no matter which direction you go?

Nothing is easy. Each step is a battle against forces stronger than you. By the end of the day, you feel absolutely battered by life and its expectations of you. Everyone wants or needs something from you – now. The weeds in your flowerbed taunt you each time you walk past, you can write your name in the dust covering every piece of furniture in your home, and you are sure that the birds in the backyard are giving you the evil eye when you look out the window because you forgot to fill the birdfeeder…again.

Maybe the issues that are hitting you are much bigger with more serious, long-lasting, even life-threatening consequences.

Stress, fear, and anxiety surface regularly.

You’re losing your courage; you are losing heart.

The Gospel of Mark relates a time when Jesus’ disciples were fearful and losing heart.

The disciples had just returned from their first short-term missionary trip assignments. They were eager to tell Jesus what God had done, and they were exhausted from their time on the road. Seeking a quiet refuge, Jesus and His disciples boated to a desolate place along the shore of the Sea of Galilee for a time of rest. But the crowds saw where Jesus was headed and ran ahead along the shore. Soon a multitude of over five thousand people filled the previously desolate location. So much for rest and restoration. (Mark 6:30-33)

Mark writes, “When He (Jesus) went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34)

As the day grew late and the people became hungry, Jesus miraculously fed the hungry crowd. (Mark 6:35-44)

After the disciples gathered up the twelve baskets of leftovers, Jesus told His twelve weary followers to get in the boat and row to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He then dismissed the crowd and went to the mountain to pray. (Mark 6:45-46)

“And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and He (Jesus) was alone on the land. And He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.” (Mark 6:47-48a)

The Sea of Galilee sits lower than any other freshwater lake in the world (680 feet below sea level). Its shallow waters and semi-tropical climate make it highly susceptible to the high winds that blow in from the cooler, dry air of the hills of lower Galilee and the cliffs of the Golan Heights, both of which overlook the lake. Those conditions make for the perfect storm – literally. Sudden violent storms with waves up to ten feet high are common on the large lake. (Britannica.com)

“And about the fourth watch of the night [between 3a.m. – 6a.m.], He (Jesus) came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them.” (Mark 6:48)

Jesus walked close enough to the boat that His disciples would see Him. The proximity of His presence should have been reassuring and calming; instead, the disciples reacted the way that you or I would probably react – they freaked out. They were terrified thinking they saw a ghost. (Mark 6:49, 50)

The disciples were so overcome by their fear and their circumstances they didn’t recognize their Lord.

Mark says, “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….”

The NIV says, “He climbed into the boat with them…” I like that word picture – that sounds so human. Then it says, “and the wind died down” – that sounds so God.

Cause. Effect.

Jesus enters the boat, the wind ceases.

Jesus the God-Man. Fully God. Fully Man.

Let’s break this story down so we can better see the application for us.

• Jesus sees you even when you don’t see Him.
  • Jesus saw the crowds of people
  • Jesus saw His tired and weary disciples
• Jesus knows you and your circumstances.
  • Jesus saw the crowds of people looking for answers, hope, and healing; they were people in need of a shepherd
  • Jesus saw His tired and weary disciples frightened and struggling against the headwinds of the stormy sea; they were losing their battle against the waves, and they were losing heart
• Jesus knows exactly what you need even when you don’t.
  • The people needed The Good Shepherd – the Savior; they needed physical food, but more than that they needed the One Who Is The Bread of Life – the Living Bread (John 6:33, 35, 45, 51)
  • The disciples needed courage and confidence in the middle of the storm; and they needed to know and trust that Jesus was (and is) who He said that He was – Son of God
• Jesus will fill your need.
  • Jesus spiritually and physically fed the hungry crowds
  • Jesus repeatedly showed His disciples, in word and in deed, who He was. He showed great love and patience as He encouraged and taught His disciples, even when they were slow to understand.   

Listen to what Jesus says, “Take heart” (be comforted – be of good cheer – take courage); it’s Me.” I’m here with you. “Do not be afraid.”

Jesus sees.

Jesus knows.

When the headwinds of life are raging against you, when you are fighting with all your strength, and you are losing the fight, Jesus says, “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Then Jesus climbs into the boat with you and the water calms, the turmoil ceases.

 When the headwinds of life are against you – when it seems that the storms are winning in the battle between you and the storms of life, don’t let your fears and your circumstances blind you to the presence of your Lord.

Jesus says, “Take Heart. It is I.”

“Do not be afraid.”

“Be strong and courageous do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6   

“In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33