OCTOBER  21

CAN YOU PASS THE TEST?

Mark 4:35


“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” (John 21:22)

What “same day” was this verse referring to when Jesus told His disciples to sail to the other side of the Sea of Galilee? It was the same day Jesus had taught the multitudes and the disciples the parable of the good and bad ground, the sower and the seed. Why is this important to know? When Jesus finished teaching this parable, He asked His disciples if they understood. They answered, “Yes.”

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew they would go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and minister to a man possessed with a legion of demons. He also knew that Satan would try to take their lives on the way across the water. The teaching they had just received would be used in just a few hours of hearing it.

The parable teaches about a sower, seed, good ground, bad ground, and an enemy who tries to steal the Word through persecution and affliction. Jesus would now put the disciples to the test.

Jesus (the Sower) told them, “Let us pass over unto the other side” (the seed was sown). He didn’t say, “Let’s try to go over.” Neither did He say, “Let’s go halfway and sink.” The promise was given – telling them they would make it. Halfway across the water, a storm erupted (persecution and affliction from Satan) to take the Word from their hearts. Jesus was so assured they’d make it, He went to sleep and rested on His own promise. The disciples panicked and blamed the Lord for not caring. Jesus woke up, calmed the storm, and then rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. They proved they hadn’t yet understood the parable. They also proved they were hard ground. Jesus took them safely over, but they failed the test of faith.

Between you and the will of God is a Sea of Trouble. Take hold of a promise and rest in it. The promise will sustain you, and you will make it to the other side! (BY)