Ministry at the Fourth Watch
It’s another day’s journey, and I am glad about it. My weekend was full of activity and capped off with the celebration of my Pastor’s 26th anniversary of ministry. Listen…that’s a long time to be dedicated to serving the people of God in a pastoral capacity. Shoot…that is a long time to be dedicated to ministry in any capacity. It takes staying power and a commitment to a calling that is greater than you. Sunday’s sermon served as an encouragement to him, and I think it may empower you as well. Let’s dive in.
Mark 6:45-52 finds the disciples in a bit of a predicament. They are in a boat. In the middle of the sea. And they are rowing. The evening has shifted to the fourth watch of the night. This is not a gentle rowing expedition. This is vigorous rowing because the wind is battling all their efforts. They are likely exhausted. And rightfully so.
You might be wondering how they ended up in this situation. Great question with an even greater answer. They were doing what Jesus told them to do. After blessing the two fish and five loaves of bread and feeding 5,000 men, as well as their wives and children, Jesus went to the mountain to pray. In search of alone time, He instructed the disciples to get in the boat and head to Bethsaida before Him. And off the disciples went. Row, row, rowing their boat. Following the instructions of the Master.
Isn’t that something? You do what the Lord told you to do. You answer His call. And you then find yourself in the middle of the sea…straining against strong winds…in the darkest part of the night. Strong winds and dark situations present themselves in many forms in our lives. Contentious relationships with others, financial hardships, crippling grief — the list could fill this page. And in the midst of that, you have a choice to make. Do I keep doing what the Lord told me to do? Or do I stop rowing? Can I keep fighting against the strong winds? Do I have what it takes, or will my arms give out?
Thankfully, for the disciples, and for you and me as well, Jesus was watching their predicament AND walking towards them as they struggled. He told them not to be afraid. He got in the boat with them. The winds ceased. The strain was relieved. Did the sun come out? I am not sure. I did not see that printed in the text. But the Son came in and lit up the darkness with His presence. Rowing in the fourth watch became more manageable with Jesus on board.
Have you answered the call that God has on your life? Whatever that call may be. Has it gotten tough? Are you straining against strong wings and the darkest part of the night? Are you ready to throw in the towel? Don’t. Know that Jesus is watching and walking towards you right now. And He wants you to remain committed to the task at hand. Don’t be afraid. Make room for him in your boat. #wepreach
