This is different
- Gary Fritsch
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been attempts to downplay the mystical, the miraculous, the divine parts of Jesus. In the early church, there were a number of heresies that denied that Jesus was divine. In more recent history, noteworthy Americans like Thomas Jefferson wanted to grab onto Jesus' moral teaching but deny everything that connected Him to the divine. Jefferson went so far as to create the 'purloined Bible' where all references to divinity and miracles were literally cut out of the pages of the Bible.
Often, in the Gospels, we have miracles that seem like they might just be an exaggerated story about healing or casting out of demons (that one is always looked at suspiciously). In the Gospel today and in the reading from Genesis, we see acts that go far beyond a local parlor trick or staged healing - we see God controlling the very elements of nature. This is different.
The Apostles immediately recognize the power of this miracle. "What sort of man is this,
whom even the winds and the sea obey?" They are understanding that Jesus is a very unique man. He is both 'Son of Man' and 'Son of God'. This is VERY different.
In our world today, we often pray for those in our lives who are struggling with health issues, or relationship issues, etc. and this should be applauded, because it is very appropriate. But do we pray for the things that only the God of the Universe can do: Unite our Church, enable me to reach those who don't know you, make big things happen (or not happen) in the world. We should be bold enough to ask for everything and then see what He does.
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