MARK - My Words (4)

 

Jesus told the people many stories.

“Life is like this.  A person spreads seed on their allotment.  They tend the plot night and day. But the miracle of life is not this.  The seed geminates and grow of their own accord.  The allotment owner waters and protects the new shoots.  Eventually the plants bear fruit; wonderful heads of corn, and the owner is in for a treat.” 

“Here is another picture.  Have you seen the seeds of trees like the willow?  The seeds are minuscule, but they go on to grow into vast trees that provide homes for birds, and shade for the wild animals.”

Jesus left the meaning of his stories as a bit of an enigma, for the people to ponder over; but his own close friends discussed the meaning at length.

As evening approached, Jesus asked his friends to take him across the lake on their boat.  All was well to begin with, but as they came to the middle of the lake, a vicious squall blew up, and the hardened sailors were put to the test.  Jesus was exhausted and curled up in the stern of the boat to rest.  Jesus’ friends feared that the boat would break up and were amazed that Jesus remained calm and asleep.  They woke him with fear in their faces.  “Do you not care that we are all going to drown?”   But Jesus scolded them, remining them that his presence with them should reassure them that all would be well.  He looked out at the storm and commanded it to be still.  The storm abated, and the wind died down to nothing.  Jesus’ friends were amazed and terrified.  “Even the winds and the waves obey him” they marvelled.

The certainties of life; 'Death and Taxes'.  But nothing is really that certain.  We put our trust in so may things without thinking.  The sun rises; the seeds grow.  The difference between miracles and these events is that miracles are rare.  For Jesus friends (and perhaps I include myself) it takes a while to realise the significance of living with Jesus.  

It's like riding pinion with a racing motorcyclist.

It's like going into the maze of an oriental market with a bilingual guide.

It's like navigating the Maelstrom with a Norwegian fisherman.