* Literally Speaking

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 
Mark 4:35-36 NLT

Few people speak literally. Have you ever noticed that? It can quickly become confusing when trying to make a decision to act, based on what someone has said. Did they mean it literally? Was there a veiled message in it? Did you notice any innuendos? Double entendres? 

Jesus spoke literally. (Yes, He told parables and other stories, but when He did, He always let you know that's what it was.) We're never left guessing when it comes to the spoken Word. And Jesus said He speaks only what the Father tells Him.  You remember Genesis when God the Father spoke the world into existence, "Let there be light." And there was light! 

Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 

Jesus did not say, "Let's go drown in the middle of the lake because of the storm that's coming." He said, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." They heard Him, they got in the boat and started out - heading to the other side. Then it got rough and they lost all hope of living to see the other side! And what was Jesus doing? Jesus was sleeping on a pillow...not moved by tossing waves, stormy seas. He'd already spoken it.

Can we believe the literal Word of God? I know we can, but DO we?

Prayer:

Father,
         Forgive us for allowing the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, to crowd out the words You have spoken to us. Let Your Word and Your Word alone be the bread of life to us.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen