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HAVE NO FEAR
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Mark 6:45-56

John 14:1-27

 

“…Be of good cheer: it is I;

be not afraid.”

 

HAVE NO FEAR
 
After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sent His disciples away while He retreated for prayer alone. The disciples departed by boat at “even” (6-9 pm, Mark 6:47), but could not reach the other side even after rowing for more than 6 hours (Mark 6:48, the 4th watch, i.e. 3-6 am) because the wind was blowing strongly against them. Then came Jesus to them walking on the water! When they saw Him, they were taken aback thinking it was a ghost. But Jesus assured them, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid” (Mark 6:50). What was Jesus telling His disciples when He said, “It is I; be not afraid”?
 
First, Jesus was telling His disciples that He is Jehovah Himself. “It is I” is literally “I, I am” in the Greek text. God said the same to Moses as well, “I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exod 3:14 cf. Isa 46:10). As Jehovah, Jesus is saying He is Creator and has power over nature. Just like He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, He can calm the sea and bring them safe to shore.
 
Second, Jesus was telling them that He is the Protector and Preserver of their lives. Since He is Jehovah, they ought to take courage and have no fear, for He is near and they are dear to Him. As soon as He boarded the boat, the wind ceased—there was a wonderful calm, and miraculously they found themselves immediately on shore (John 6:21).
 
Are there storms in your life? Are you troubled in mind and heart? There is deliverance if you will have God, even the Lord Jesus, in your life. Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me…. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:1,27).
 
THOUGHT: Have no fear, He is near.

PRAYER: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Pet 5:7)

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