Main Passage: Mark 4:35-5:43
Memory Verse
And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4:41
Devotion
In today’s passage we read about a few days in Jesus’ life that are some of the longest recorded stories in the book of Mark. All of the stories have some things in common with each other. Each story deals with some sort of affliction. Whether a storm or sickness, everyone faces a problem in the story. Each story also deals with an element of fear on the part of the people followed by a life-giving response and lesson from Jesus. Many times in our lives we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances and our natural response is to be filled with fear and anxiety. Jesus wants for us to cast our fears, our burdens and all of our anxiety on him. (1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28) He wants us to respond in faith and not fear. Jesus said this in Matthew 10:28, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” When life overwhelms we should turn to Jesus and follow him in reverent holy fear. Our mindset should be things eternal rather than the things of this world. When life gets you down, place your trust the Author of Life and he will give you his peace.
Questions to Ponder
What storms or trials have you experienced in your life? Are you experiencing any right now?
When difficult times come is your first reaction fear or faith? Why?
Which of the four stories did you relate to the most?
So where are you today? What affliction are you facing?
Situational: Is something going on at home?
Spiritual: Are you wrestling against sin and temptation?
Physical: Are you dealing with sickness, disease, injury?
Emotional: Have you lost a loved one?
What situations has God brought you and your family through? How did you react to what God did? Did you respond in worship?