January 25, 2024

Matthew 8:18-27 (HCSB)
Following Jesus
18 When Jesus saw large crowds   around Him, He gave the order to go to the other side of the sea.  19 A scribe approached Him and said,  “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go!” 20 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man  has no place to lay His head.” 21 “Lord,” another of His disciples said, “first let me go bury my father.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Wind and Wave Obey the Master 23 As He got into the  boat,  His disciples  followed Him. 24 Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. 25 So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea.  And there was a great calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this?—even the winds and the sea obey  Him!”

Pastor HD Jones
When I was a kid we lived on a lot that was surrounded by trees.  Every time there was a big storm, Mom would make us grab our pillows and blankets and sleep in the hallway.  Dad on the other hand was in his bed sound asleep.  Most times never even waking up.  When we asked him why he wasn’t scared he would just say “God has got this”.  I wish for that type of simple faith.  I guess I’m more like my mom.  She always thinks the worst but praises God for anything less.  I will have to say… in an emergency… Jane is the better call to make.  This week’s set of scripture points us to Jesus’ authority as our King.  He commands the waves to stop and they are silent; He touches the skin disease and it is gone; He heals a servant from some distance; and He healed all that were brought to Him regardless of how they responded to Him.  Jesus then reminds us what it means to be a disciple.  We can’t get caught up in the worldly affairs like relationships; we can’t be concerned with wealth or anything other than a sold out commitment to Jesus. It is not always easy to follow Jesus, many people walked away but I promise it will always be worth it.  Can you imagine the joy all the apostles feel today, in heaven, with Him?