The author describes the disciples, in this passage, as being hard-hearted, not understanding Jesus message, not understanding how an entire crowd could be fed with just five loaves and two fishes, not understanding who Jesus was and how he could walk on water, and instead reacting with fear and more questions. The translator of The Message says that "it had not as yet penetrated their heart."
I confess that I have also not yet allowed God and His message of love to fully penetrate my heart. Oh - I believe - in my head. I think, I discern, I discuss, I question, I learn. For the most part, I fear I have a "brain faith." But that faith does not dispel fear. The door to my heart is ajar, but I am sometimes fearful of opening it fully, welcoming it, allowing God to fully dwell within. Maybe it is fear of losing control. But I don't need an "aha" moment or some emotional experience. I just want to have a heart filled with love that I can then more fully share it with others.
Your comment touches my heart, Gina. I want to think about your term, "brain faith." Is that a common condition among us? Is that why I feel so liberated when I think of being as open and forgiving as Joseph? Is the door to my heart also only ajar?
I love the way you incorporate music into your prayer!
You have given me much to ponder! Thank you for sharing!
Isn’t Jesus great? He could have been so frustrated with the disciples, but instead He was patient, loving, and comforting.
How many times are we just like the disciples? We have one job–to love. How many times do we overlook that objective and pursue other goals instead? But, every time, Jesus gets back in the boat with us, loving us, comforting us, encouraging us.
This sounds so simple, but I’m finding it a bit LARGE to comprehend. I guess I can lean into gratitude even if I can’t grasp how HUGE the love is.
The author describes the disciples, in this passage, as being hard-hearted, not understanding Jesus message, not understanding how an entire crowd could be fed with just five loaves and two fishes, not understanding who Jesus was and how he could walk on water, and instead reacting with fear and more questions. The translator of The Message says that "it had not as yet penetrated their heart."
I confess that I have also not yet allowed God and His message of love to fully penetrate my heart. Oh - I believe - in my head. I think, I discern, I discuss, I question, I learn. For the most part, I fear I have a "brain faith." But that faith does not dispel fear. The door to my heart is ajar, but I am sometimes fearful of opening it fully, welcoming it, allowing God to fully dwell within. Maybe it is fear of losing control. But I don't need an "aha" moment or some emotional experience. I just want to have a heart filled with love that I can then more fully share it with others.
My prayer?
Into my heart, into my heart
Come into my heart Lord Jesus
Come in today, come in to stay
Come in to my heart, Lord Jesus.
Isn’t Jesus great? He could have been so frustrated with the disciples, but instead He was patient, loving, and comforting.
How many times are we just like the disciples? We have one job–to love. How many times do we overlook that objective and pursue other goals instead? But, every time, Jesus gets back in the boat with us, loving us, comforting us, encouraging us.
This sounds so simple, but I’m finding it a bit LARGE to comprehend. I guess I can lean into gratitude even if I can’t grasp how HUGE the love is.
Thank you, Lord.