Nougat 27

Sometimes, I marvel at the disciples. Have you ever noticed how they responded after Jesus called the storm? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

‭Mark 4:41 NIV‬

[41] They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Holy Terror

We don’t normally see the words “holy terror” and think of Jesus’ disciples. That phrase is more often used colloquially to describe someone who is mischievous or not so fun to be around because of their behaviour. But it most definitely captures the fear that gripped those disciples after experiencing Jesus’ creative miracle.

It seems a bit out of place after their desperate plea to Him, ‘Wake up, do You know that we’re drowning! Don’t You care?’, prior to His reprimand and muscle. Yes, it was early days in their ‘apprenticeship’ with Jesus, but I wonder why they were surprised at the extent of His power. Of course, it is easy to marvel now, knowing all we know about Jesus.

We have no doubt about Who Jesus is. He is the Son of the Living God. He is our Messiah. He is our brother and friend. Perhaps that explains why most, perhaps all of us, seem to operate without that sense of awe that possessed those disciples. In their defense, I’ll say they were already highly panicked, so Jesus’ miracle might have intensified their response. A bit over the top, but somewhat understandable.

While I marvel at the disciples’ fear (i.e., terror, panic), I also wonder at our own responses to Jesus. Do we doubt His capability to do for us what we need of Him? Are we at any point in awe of Jesus’ glory or of His impact on our lives? How do we feel when God, through Jesus, effects the impossible for us?

Hopefully, it isn’t a take-God-for-granted mindset that’s born of a sense of entitlement. (I suspect some of us might be saying ‘ouch’ at this moment.) Although I think panic was a strong reaction, I believe that we ought to have that holy sense of fear towards Jesus. A respect and sense of awe at Who Jesus is, and wonder at our being chosen by Him. I hope I’m wrong in thinking we have lost some of that.

Is it that we need to rediscover Jesus in all His glory all over again?

—

May all we seek be found in Christ