This post has been included the series “Idolizing Knowledge” at First and Second Blog. You can click HERE to read the entire series dealing with the error of idolizing knowledge and the benefit we receive when we lean on the knowledge of God.
Many of the disciples were fishermen by trade which means much of their days had been spent in a boat. In the sixth chapter of Mark, we find them in a boat as a storm hits.
They are in their boat in the middle of the lake. Jesus is alone on the shore.
“He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.” (Mark 6:48, NLT)
He walks towards them and Scripture continues to tell us:
“But when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.” (verses 49-50)
These twelve men, who are with Jesus on a regular basis see Him, yet they don’t recognize him. They had just witnessed a mass feeding, the miracle of provision and healings. Scripture tells us they still did not understand. Mark explains, “Their hearts were too hard to take it in” (verse 52).
As we continue in this same chapter, we are told that once hitting land, the crowd of people came and Mark shares this tidbit …â€The people recognized Jesus at once†(verse 54).
The ones who were with Him 24/7 failed to recognize Him while the crowd recognizes Him at once? How is that?
I cannot help but wonder if knowledge of Christ can often get in the way of our seeing and experiencing Him. A sticky note I always keep on my desk reminds me …
Familiarity can be such an enemy to intimacy. We become casual and lazy. Our hearts must stay soft and pliable, receptive to His Spirit if we are going to recognize Jesus.
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.â€
(Ezekiel 36:26-27, NLT)
May we not forget the object of our faith, as we develop a love of knowledge. Our hearts must love Jesus more than we love our knowledge of Him. Our hearts must solely be in love with Him. May our hearts desire to see Him and know Him, rather than just know about Him and miss Him completely.
Both our hearts and our minds must be fully engaged in relationship with Jesus and His Word.
Knowledge of Christ ≠Relationship with Christ.
Relationship with Christ = Knowledge of Him.
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Moments of Hope and Soul Survival .
I love that equation you have sticky-noted to your desk and your heart. We do try to make everything about content and quick fixes when God is offering us a relationship. I’ve been enjoying Bethany’s series, and this is a great addition!
Thank so much, Michele! That sticky note has been a daily reminder to keep my focus on my relationship with Him all things.
So glad you are participating in this series, Joanne : ) I’ll be sharing throughout the week. Your post so concisely gets to the heart of the matter. Praying the Lord will soften us to relating to Him as we get to know Him!
It has been wonderful to join you, Bethany. If we are going to grow in that which we know, may we grow in our knowing of Him! Blessings!
I had never noticed before that while the disciples didn’t recognise Jesus coming to them the crowd recognised him at once. It is so important not to become complacent but to keep our eyes open and to keep growing closer to God both in heart and mind.
It’s so true, Lesley. Complacency. You hit it on the head. It will dull both our hearts and minds.
Wonderful 😇😇
The people recognised Him
This is thoughtful, Joanne.
Joanne,
Amen, my friend! Knowledge is good. Necessary. Needed. But we must balance it with the heart. Knowledge and knowing! Thank you for the reminder and for sharing hope with me at #MomentsofHope! ♥
Hugs,
Lori