Immediate Healing
And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Mark 6:49-50
After a long and exhausting day, the disciples finally found themselves alone in a boat. They rowed through the night, battling wind and waves, making little progress. But Jesus was watching them. Mark tells us that Jesus saw them “making headway painfully” (ESV v48). Then, suddenly, they saw Him simply strolling out on the water. Instantly and immediately, He was there.
But instead of comfort, fear took over. They assumed He was a ghost and cried out in terror. Given the darkness, exhaustion, and circumstance, their fear is understandable. Yet, immediately, Jesus spoke: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” This moment reveals a different immediate healing. It is their fear which requires comfort by the presence and word of Christ. Before the storm was calmed, their hearts were calmed.
How often fear becomes our greatest enemy. The storm may be real, but fear multiples its power. Fear distorts our vision, convinces us we are lost and alone, and can cause us to forget our Savior’s love and protection. Jesus did not scold them here. Rather He reminded them of His calming presence. Once He stepped into the boat, the wind ceased completely.
Immediate healing does not always mean immediate relief. Often it means faith steadied and fear silenced by the reminder that our Savior is nearby. Once we remember Jesus is near, fear loses its grip on us. Only He can save when we are overcome by fear. He strengthens our faith which trusts His eternal promises. Jesus can calm any tempest that threatens us. He is the reason we can be of good cheer and remain unafraid, no matter what we are currently rowing through.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
The Lutheran Hymnal 370:2