Devotion

Mark 4 tells the tale of the great windstorm on the Sea of Galilee. We know the story. A storm whips up. The disciples fear for their lives. Jesus calms the storm. And he wonders aloud over their slowness to comprehend his message.

Jesus provided what they needed that dark night: protection, a calming presence, another demonstration of the mercy and mystery of God.

But the words that intrigue me the most today are in verse 36: “Other boats were with him.”

We have no record of the reaction of these other boaters to the terrible storm. There are no notes indicating how well these other fishermen knew or followed Jesus. Yet they benefitted from the calmed seas, the mercy and the mystery, as well.

When Jesus provides for us, how might those provisions affect those around us? Are the gifts of God meant for us exclusively? Or do the gifts of God also flow out from us like the waters to touch even those who may not know Jesus well?

Prayer

Provide for us, God, even in our slowness, so others might know your mercy and mystery. Amen.

Rev. Meredith Vanderminden
Chair, Fellowship Spiritual Formation Interest Area
Executive Director, Art Divina
Pastor of Spiritual Formation,
Queensbury United Methodist Church
Queensbury, NY