In today’s Gospel (Mark 4:35-41), Jesus called to his disciples to get into a boat and cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It was evening and they were ready for rest near the warmth of a fire. They had no desire to get up, get in a boat and travel out of their “comfort zone”. All the disciples heard was “the other side”, and trepidation set in. Who would they meet there? Surely the others would be different from them. Perhaps Sadducees, Greeks, Romans, or other outsiders? Why would Jesus intentionally take them into such company? And through a horrible storm on the way!
Pastor Paul Lundborg, preaching at St. Mark today, explains the “teacher” in Jesus. The lesson Jesus would have his disciples, and us, learn is we all have our comfort zones. And following Jesus is no picnic beside still waters. Often, we are called into stormy waters, to journey to the other side, where things and people are different from us. But Jesus does not abandon us. Rather, he stills the storm, and reaches out with a hand of encouragement. He is always with us.
To listen to the Gospel, full sermon, and Pastor Paul’s impassioned pastoral statement on the current immigration situation, click the link below.