Christ’s Multiplying Presence

Job 2l; Mark 5-6 

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves…They all ate and were satisfied…He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake,…’Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ Then he climbed into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely amazed for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Mark 6:41, 48, 50-52

When our hearts are hardened we can miss God’s presence and activity in our midst. The disciples witnessed an amazing miracle of multiplication, but failed to see that it was the presence of God in their midst which changed everything. 

When the needs of those we serve are overwhelming and we feel the wind is against us, what do we do? - do we row harder?

Jesus calls for courage in moments like this - courage to recognize that “I am” is with us, the one who made the heavens and the earth. It is Christ’s presence, not technique or strategy that brings multiplication. Living with the presence of Jesus by his Spirit, every day, is the opposite of fear. With soft, surrendered hearts we invite his multiplying, transforming, presence into every circumstance and challenge.

“Lord Jesus, thank you that today you will multiply and transform me as I look to you.”