Short Term Memory
The short term memory of believers is quite amazing. Matthew’s gospel
records a time where Jesus got into a boat and His disciples “followed
Him.” They were obedient to the call, for this was the initial
invitation. Jesus said, “Follow Me.” Following Jesus means all the
way! Up to the point where the disciples followed Jesus into a boat
they witnessed many marvelous things as is revealed when we throw
ourselves into reverse. Look back. Jesus healed Peter’s mother
(8:15). Jesus healed the centurion’s servant without ever seeing him
(8:13). Jesus healed a leper (8:3). Marvelous works, wouldn’t you
agree? Others had need and the Lord Jesus met their need. The
disciples saw all of this. Now it was their turn!
A storm arose. Their boat was covered with water. Fear entered their heart. But Jesus was asleep! “His disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. (Matt 8:25). We perish? We perish? Listen to them. But before we get too hard on them we need to observe our own responses.
How many of us “have faith” as we see Jesus work in the lives of others? We can hand out the encouragement when they face their sick mother, sick servant, personal leprosy. We share in praise when the Lord brings them through their difficulty. Then it is our turn! We get in the boat. We are following Jesus. Look at us! Jesus is in the boat. We are in the boat. We are so close. Then the wind blows. The storm comes. The waves crash. “And he saith...Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matt 8:26).
Are you facing a storm? Take a moment to throw things in reverse. Look back. Remember when you saw Jesus in His wonder? Remember the incredible testimonies of others? Remember the previous touches of Jesus? He is still the same. If you are His, He is in the boat with you right now! Do not exercise short term memory simply because of a current situation. Call to him. That’s what the disciples did. “Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Matt 8:26).
Today is January 11. May we not exercise short term memory!
Blessings,
Jim
A storm arose. Their boat was covered with water. Fear entered their heart. But Jesus was asleep! “His disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. (Matt 8:25). We perish? We perish? Listen to them. But before we get too hard on them we need to observe our own responses.
How many of us “have faith” as we see Jesus work in the lives of others? We can hand out the encouragement when they face their sick mother, sick servant, personal leprosy. We share in praise when the Lord brings them through their difficulty. Then it is our turn! We get in the boat. We are following Jesus. Look at us! Jesus is in the boat. We are in the boat. We are so close. Then the wind blows. The storm comes. The waves crash. “And he saith...Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matt 8:26).
Are you facing a storm? Take a moment to throw things in reverse. Look back. Remember when you saw Jesus in His wonder? Remember the incredible testimonies of others? Remember the previous touches of Jesus? He is still the same. If you are His, He is in the boat with you right now! Do not exercise short term memory simply because of a current situation. Call to him. That’s what the disciples did. “Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Matt 8:26).
Today is January 11. May we not exercise short term memory!
Blessings,
Jim
I really needed that this morning. Too many times I FORGET that God is still the same today, yesterday and will be the same tomorrow as He has always been. A rock, never changing and always steadfast. I allow my sin nature to convince me that this time He is going to let me suffer, but He ALWAYS pulls me through. Thank You Lord for allowing others in our lives to help put us back on the right track and give You total control. "WALK BY FAITH" is our charge. It's not always easy but that is what God commands. Thanks Bro.
Reply to this