Mark 6:49-50
I
hope I always scream when I see a ghost! I don’t ever want to get used to seeing
things that are not of this world. I have no idea if ghosts exist, or if they
are demonic manifestations to deceive those who don’t have a strong faith. I
just don’t know. Not much is said in Scripture about ghosts. Just because
someone labels an experience as something does not mean that their label is
true, even in Scripture. Even human error is recorded in Scripture.
So
here are the disciples rowing across a lake in the middle of the night in a
strong wind. And they see something approaching them, walking on the water.
What you would say it is if you were in their shoes? You haven’t seen anyone
walking on water before, have you? So what would you label the thing
approaching?
Our
modern culture has embraced the idea of ghosts and spirits who show up and talk
to people. It is part of the accepted theology of our day, imported from other
religions and especially the third world cultic spiritualities. And since in
our culture every belief system has equal value regardless of its ability to
actually explain reality, it is accepted without question. No matter how out of
touch with reality it is, it can be accepted. So if you believe the world sits
on the back of a giant elephant, go ahead and believe it.
So
the disciples get terrified when they see this figure approaching. Fortunately
for them, it is Jesus. And Jesus responds to their fear by speaking a few simple
words that get right to the heart of the matter. He doesn’t waste time speaking
about the absurdity of ghosts, taking that moment to delve into the theological
basis for not believing in ghosts. No! He speaks to their hearts, their need
for reassurance.
He
starts by speaking to their lack of courage. They must have been cowering,
paralyzed by their fear. He tells them to fill up their lack of courage with
His courage. They are on empty in the courage department. He has plenty to
spare. He is passing along His courage to them. When you are this afraid, it
can be hard to do anything. And what could they do if a ghost was approaching
them walking on water in the middle of the night while they are losing the
battle with the wind? Ghostbusters weren’t around, so there was no one to call!
Then
Jesus tells them it is He. When Jesus is on the scene, is there any reason to
be afraid? I would hope not. For those of us who know Him, His presence brings
the exact opposite of fear, peace. At least if we have settled accounts with
Him, confessed and kept a clean slate. Unconfessed sin can cause fear to rise
in us, often fear of disappointment and regrets. But Jesus tells them it is He,
not a ghost.
And
then Jesus tells them to stop fearing. It is almost as if they still haven’t
heard His first words, to take courage. His first command was for them to fill
up on courage, moment by moment. His second command was for them to not allow
fear to dominate their present. These words should be familiar to the
disciples, both from the Old Testament and directly from Jesus’ mouth. It seems
as if fear is something that is a very common human experience.
But
we often repeat the most important messages multiple times when we want to make
sure someone receives our communication. How many times have we said “I love
you” to that someone special? I hope more than once! And I hope more than once
in a single session. I think Jesus wanted His disciples, and wants us to put
fear behind us. When He is present, there is no reason to fear. Even death has
lost its dread.