‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭41‬ ‭MSG — Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?” Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked. “Wind and sea at his beck and call!‬‬

The Message version of this passage is titled “The Wind Ran Out of Breath.” It all happened because Jesus came to His disciples’ rescue. They were dependent on Jesus to save them and calm their fears. According to Merriam-Webster, dependent means to rely on another for support. This definition reminds me of church. Recently at our church, we had Youth Sunday. Our youth shared what the church means to them. They used words like family, faith, strength, happiness, community, refuge, peace, support, love, fellowship, prayer, altar, and reverence. What does church mean to you? 

Church for me is a time to come to God’s house, be reminded of my awe of God and worship Him with my family and friends. Mark tells us the disciples were in absolute awe of Jesus. They still managed to let worry overtake them. Interestingly, to be in awe can be a reverence mixed with fear and wonder. Take a moment to think about your awe of God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I am in awe of You. I come to You today with reverence. I lay down my fears to You! I pray for my fellow church members, and all those who do not know You. Use me today to show them Your wonder. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen