It was love at first sight.

Thursday  2-25-16 (Martinez, Buenos Aires, Argentina)     

Scripture reading for today:    Num 17 – 18    Psalm 29   Mark 4

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Mark 4:38-41 And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" NKJV

O.  Jesus slept on a pillow while the little boat was tossed around like a cork on the waves.  Several of the disciples had grown up as fishermen.  Their parents and ancestors knew these waters.  These guys were experts.  They adjusted the sail and did everything right, but this was a violent storm and even these experienced sailors feared for their lives.  “Look, back there in the stern.  Jesus is sound asleep!” Last resort: “Let’s wake up Jesus!”  Jesus yawns and addresses the raging sea with three words... and there is a sudden calm.  Now the disciples are really afraid, not of the storm, but with a deep holy fear. “This is no ordinary Man riding in our little boat!  Just Who is He anyway?!”

A.  Just Who is this Jesus?  This is the question of the ages.  It is the question that divides the Christians from the Jews, the Muslims, the Jehovah Witnesses and many other sects and religions.  My answer to this question will determine my eternal destiny.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter answered, “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”  Inspired to write, John answered, “In the beginning was the “Word” and the “Word” was with God and the “Word” was “God.”  He was the “Creator” of all things.  (John 1: 1-3) “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we saw His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father.” (John 1:14) The word “begotten” is used to show me that He is not a created being.  It is obviously a take-it-or-leave-it issue.  I must either believe that He is Who the Bible says He is... or take the consequences.

P.  Father, I confess that I do not understand everything about You.  I am like a tiny ant trying to understand a great king.  But I thank You for stooping down to earth in the person of Your Only Son to show us what You are really like.  I was just a little child when my heart was first conquered by Your love.  Yes, Father, I saw that love in Your Son Jesus and decided right then and there I would follow Him to the end of my days.  It was love at first sight.  And may that passion never fade!  Amen.

Ralph