Be of Good Cheer

Mark 6:33-34 - But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

Quick one! In reading Mark 6 this morning all I could think was, wouldn't it be wonderful to see many people today running to Jesus, coming to Him, anxious to know Him, instead of pushing Him aside.

In verses 33-34 the disciples were settling down for what they hoped would be some rest. But multitudes of people knew Jesus’ whereabouts and they ran to see Jesus. They arrived before He did. Such enthusiasm! Multitudes! Today it seems as though multitudes run the other direction. What could this Man have said that produced such excitement? Who was this Man that they didn’t want to miss Him? What are people so afraid of when it comes to Jesus?

When we have had an encounter with Jesus we find out! We can know what these people knew who ran to meet Him and arrived before Him! Oh, to see people flocking to meet Him today instead of turning their backs.

Then we read this scripture. The disciples were in their boat. Remember? The winds were strong, they struggled to row. So Jesus appears to them, walking on the water! Mark 6:50 -  ...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." Oh, those words, do not be afraid.

We have nothing to be afraid of when turning to Christ. He wants us in whatever condition we are in because He will make something better of us. He will teach us many things. He can do this. It is exciting. We can be of good cheer in Christ.

1John 3:1-2 - Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.