Draw Crowds

DRAW CROWDS | Healing Hands Worship Series, week 4
July 22, 2018

Draw Crowds (Mark 6:53-56)

Keywords: Anchored. Touch. Healing. Crowds.

Crossing over the water after experiencing Jesus walking on water must have been an awakening for the disciples. It is hard to put all the emotions into words. Can you believe what you have seen? Walking on the water is a visual miracle that stretches our minds, beliefs, understanding, and faith. When I think about what it means to see a water-walking Jesus, I am shaken because the action exceeds my imagination. Only God could bring the disciples beyond their fear into a state of great peace. What does your fear attempt to block you from? How is the presence of Jesus Christ changing your state of being from fear to peace and from peace to action?

The Scripture connects humanity with a description of what is means to experience being grounded, landing on the shore, and anchored from the storming seas. They arrived to safe ground, and their boat is secured. When life has been like rough waters, safety and peace are appreciated. Sometimes it takes time to for peace to be restored. The disciples wanted to rest. What does your Sabbath rest look like with Jesus? Is your spiritual rest a consistent practice or irregular in nature? How does fear impact your rest with the Lord? As a faith community, how does your congregation practice spiritual rest following ministry seasons? Grounding includes making adjustments. What does this look like in ordinary time compared with Advent and Lent?

As soon as the disciples landed on dry ground, word spread quickly about Jesus being in town. Did Jesus have rock star appeal? Word of mouth was the technology of the day, and information sharing made the marketplace busier than normal. What was Jesus bringing to the people? Healing, wholeness, renewal, and restoration. The people in the crowds wanted to be changed. They wanted a touch from the one who gave them hope. That need still exists today. What are the unmet needs in the world that God is calling everyday disciples to provide hope today?

Jesus is hope for healing to the disciples and the world. No matter where they traveled, Jesus drew crowds who were seeking healing. How does the world need healing today? Are your ministries offering healing and hope?

Since Jesus continues to draw crowds today, do people know your location?

Consider reflecting upon these ideas:

• How does your faith anchor your journey? Is your congregation a place of peace and security for the community? How are you making room for Sabbath rest?
• Are the crowds still seeking healing? How are healing prayers shared in your congregation? What draws crowds in your congregation now?