Monday, July 9, 2012

Fear Factor: Holy Land Edition


Mark 4:40
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”


In the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” the title character has to pass three tests to reach the Holy Grail.  One of them is the “Leap of Faith.”  Standing at the edge of a seemingly bottomless pit without any visible way to cross, Indiana Jones has to do something many people have trouble with: trust.

Luckily for him there is a camouflaged rock bridge that keeps him from falling to certain doom.  He took a “leap of faith,” placing his life on the line without any proof of safety.

The Disciples were in a position of even greater peril.  Out at night on the Sea of Galilee, there were caught up in a massive storm.  As they struggle to keep from sinking, Jesus, the God of everything, is taking a nap.

Terrified, the Disciples wake Him up.  With one word, Jesus calms the storm.  The Disciples are amazed, but so is Jesus.  They’re amazed that He is able to stop a massive storm with a single word.  He’s amazed that the Disciples could not set aside their fear for but a moment and believe that God is in control and will protect them.

As Christians, we take comfort in knowing that God will protect us.  But sometimes we don’t take that “leap” and give all our worries to Him.  What are we more afraid of, the unknown thing before us, whatever it is, or removing ourself from the equation and letting God handle it?


Father,
We know you are all powerful.  Help us to remember this and to place our trust in You alone.  Help us to take that “leap of faith” and surrender to You and Your plan.
Amen

No comments: