In 1986 there was a drought in Israel and the sea of Galilee receded. Local residents found a boat in the mud and archaeologists began excavating. The discovery sheds new light on a 1st century fishing vessel on the Sea of Galilee. The boat was brilliantly constructed without nails - wooden pegs were used and precisely cut so that when the boat was in water, the pegs would swell up and fit perfectly, holding the timbers together that were made of 12 different kinds of wood. Even in its dilapidated condition, the boat measures 25.5 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, and 4.1 feet deep. It is estimated the boat could hold five crewmen and 2000 lbs of cargo, or five crewmen and up to fifteen passengers. This is much larger than our idea of a "fishing boat". My 14 foot aluminum boat would be dwarfed next to the Galilee boat. I would think one would feel pretty secure in such a vessel.
This helps us engage our imaginations in the story. Peter, James, and John owned boats like this for their fishing vessels, and explains how twelve men could easily fit with room for Jesus to be asleep in the hull. Experienced fishermen like Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Nathaniel had seen storms on Galilee. However, these weathered seamen were terrified at the storm that blew up so quickly. After Jesus woke and calmed the sea, they were "terrified and amazed". Then Jesus asks the painful question that I have also heard, "Where is your faith?"
We may feel pretty secure with the "boat" we've created. Maybe we have a great job, nice home, fat retirement plan... No matter how ingenius our boat is engineered, or how large it is built, the storms of life will have a crippling effect. Neither wealth, material, or creativity can insulate us from sudden disaster. Neither did Jesus promise smooth sailing and comfort when we follow Him. We are to take up our cross. Jesus didn't die on the cross to protect us from storms, He died and lives again to give us the gift of His presence in order to hold our hand through them. we are to be the presence of Christ in this world. Had the storm never come, the disciples would not have experienced Jesus' power. The storms of life are opportunity to see Jesus' glory, to see God at God's best. Shall we pray for storms or smooth sailing? Lord, when storms do come, help me to trust completely in Your power to deliver. Help us to see your glory through the storms, and be a vessel of Your love to others.
God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center in Marked Tree, Arkansas (Where I am privileged to teach every week) is a rehabilitation ministry of Mission Teens for drug users, alcoholics, and mentally unstable people. I partner with Mission Teens because I have seen first-hand how God is using this ministry to change lives and make disciples of Jesus.
This helps us engage our imaginations in the story. Peter, James, and John owned boats like this for their fishing vessels, and explains how twelve men could easily fit with room for Jesus to be asleep in the hull. Experienced fishermen like Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Nathaniel had seen storms on Galilee. However, these weathered seamen were terrified at the storm that blew up so quickly. After Jesus woke and calmed the sea, they were "terrified and amazed". Then Jesus asks the painful question that I have also heard, "Where is your faith?"
We may feel pretty secure with the "boat" we've created. Maybe we have a great job, nice home, fat retirement plan... No matter how ingenius our boat is engineered, or how large it is built, the storms of life will have a crippling effect. Neither wealth, material, or creativity can insulate us from sudden disaster. Neither did Jesus promise smooth sailing and comfort when we follow Him. We are to take up our cross. Jesus didn't die on the cross to protect us from storms, He died and lives again to give us the gift of His presence in order to hold our hand through them. we are to be the presence of Christ in this world. Had the storm never come, the disciples would not have experienced Jesus' power. The storms of life are opportunity to see Jesus' glory, to see God at God's best. Shall we pray for storms or smooth sailing? Lord, when storms do come, help me to trust completely in Your power to deliver. Help us to see your glory through the storms, and be a vessel of Your love to others.
God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center in Marked Tree, Arkansas (Where I am privileged to teach every week) is a rehabilitation ministry of Mission Teens for drug users, alcoholics, and mentally unstable people. I partner with Mission Teens because I have seen first-hand how God is using this ministry to change lives and make disciples of Jesus.
Nice post. Glad you're blogging.
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