This morning we read Mark chapter 6 at school. 

Such an example of our human brokenness met by his merciful love that He continues to pour out despite ourselves.

Jesus is rejected in His hometown. His cousin is killed. He spends His waking hours pouring himself out, healing the sick and casting out evil spirits… thousands upon thousands of people. 

I think about how much I hurt when someone I love is hurting. Jesus isn’t simply walking about aloof to the pain of these people; He loves them… ALL of them. I can’t even imagine how exhausting this would be, how humanly exhausting this would be. They didn’t even have time to eat. 

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When Jesus leaves to be alone, news travels and another huge crowd of people meets Him again. Instead of turning them away, His heart ached for them,

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” -Mark 6:34 —

and then He feeds them with physical food as well, feeding over 5,000 people. 

Then this next part just seals the illustration of His mercy toward us: 

“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here! ” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.” -‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:45-52‬ ‭NLT‬‬

His chosen followers and friends still doubted Him. But He just keeps right on pouring His love out on them. 

Whether we are pursuing God or not… whether we doubt God or not, He will continue to pour His love out on us. If we accept it, it will absolutely change our lives – but His love for us does not waiver based on our performance – it is the most constant thing in this universe. Praise God! 

Lord, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Amen.

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