Category Archives: Bible Gleanings

Bible Gleanings, devotions

The Greatness of Meekness | Bible Gleanings | June 14-15, 2025

Leave a comment

It was an unusual choice, but it spoke volumes. Instead of riding triumphantly into Jerusalem on a white horse like a militant conqueror, Jesus chose a lowly donkey as His mode of transportation (Matt. 21:1-11), sending a message to the multitudes that He was “meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29b, KJV). The same unconventional humility marked His birth, as He was born in a filthy manger rather than a royal palace (Luke 2:7).

And His gentleness shone brightly during His earthly ministry as well: He displayed “compassion” to the unbelieving crowds instead of chiding them (Matt. 9:36); He showed no scorn toward guilty sinners like the Samaritan woman and the unnamed woman caught in adultery (John 4:13-14; 8:11); and rather than rebuking Peter for denying Him three times, He lovingly restored and recommissioned him (John 21:15-19). And perhaps most significantly, rather than cursing the opponents who hung Him on the cross, He prayed for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34).

Although Jesus was worthy of a glorious transport into Jerusalem, He declined it because He was meek. He turned down a well-deserved spectacular entrance to earth on Christmas Day because He was lowly. His humility led Him to set aside His rightful authority and ability to judge the mocking multitudes, send the adulterous to hell, castigate Peter for his sins, and summon an army of angels to save Him from Calvary and slay His enemies. What Isaiah the prophet said about Jesus was congruous with His meek character: “He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth” (Isaiah 42:2-3, KJV).

And this is what Jesus meant when He urged His followers to be “meek” (Matt. 5:5). Meekness does not mean weakness, nor does it mean being a pushover or a people-pleaser. Instead, meekness means refraining from asserting your rights, strength, and power for the sake of others. And meekness manifests itself in turning the other cheek, refraining from retaliation, and treating others with grace and mercy, especially when wronged (Matt. 5:38-42). The meek refuse to get back at others because they realize that the Lord has their back (1 Peter 2:23).

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

When You Give Sin An Inch | Bible Gleanings | June 7-8, 2025

Leave a comment

A small handful of cracked rivet holes led to flooded streets, crushed buildings, trapped horses, and tragically, the deaths of twenty-one people and injury to over a hundred other victims. Around lunchtime on January 15, 1919, two million gallons of molasses burst from a giant tank in the north end of Boston. This calamity became known as The Great Molasses Flood. Due to its humorous name, many students have laughed at this section in their history books—only to find themselves in jaw-dropping horror when reading the details.

Because the poorly maintained tank could hold no more, a tsunami of molasses swept through town at thirty-five miles per hour, demolishing everything in its path. Some blamed the disaster on the buildup of fermentation gases. Others accused anarchists of setting off a bomb. But the real cause was cheap metalwork—one-inch rivets that couldn’t handle the load. The cheapjack rivets stressed the rivet holes, allowing cracks to form, and the rest is literally history. 

It only takes a little to destroy a lot. The Scripture affirms that truth, too. One small bite of forbidden fruit brought sin into the world (Gen. 3:6). One seemingly harmless haircut sapped Samson’s strength (Jud. 16:19). One strike of a rock cost Moses entrance into the Promised Land (Num. 20:11-12). One little bag of silver cost Judas his soul (Matt. 26:15). One white lie resulted in the divinely ordained deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3-11).

A little sin can cause a whole lot of trouble. One unguarded moment, one lustful look, one ill-spoken word, and one lash of anger is all it takes to spread sin’s sticky mess in your life and reap irreversible injury (cf. Eccl. 10:1). That is why wise believers do not treat sin lightly—they know that if you give sin an inch, it will take a mile. Discerning Christians understand that sin always wants more than it seems to ask. They know that sin will seep through the smallest crack to cause collapse.

How can believers prevent “small sins” from creeping in? Proverbs 9:10 gives the answer: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Fearing the Lord means revering the Lord, and this entails living with an awareness that He sees all, knows all, and takes sin seriously (Job 34:21; Psa. 33:13-15; 139:1-4; Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13). When you fear the Lord, you will live wisely and watchfully, keeping your eyes peeled for lurking sins which invite God’s discipline and result in ruin. Do not wait for disaster to remind you that so-called “little sins” matter a great deal. Fear the Lord now, and you will be wary of the little cracks that sin loves to slip through.

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings

Pretend Piety | Bible Gleanings | May 31-June 1, 2025

Leave a comment

They were caught red-handed, and had to pay the piper a small fee of $33.3 billion. But you will never guess who the culprits were. It wasn’t an underground mafia or a corrupt corporation from a superhero movie. The villain was Volkswagen—one of the world’s most trusted car manufacturers. They claimed that their vehicles emitted less harmful fumes than other gas-guzzlers, but this turned out to be a bold-faced lie when the EPA hit the brakes on this cunning conspiracy.

In 2015, EPA investigators discovered that millions of Volkswagens were equipped with software that knew when it was being tested, and it would change the engine’s performance to improve results. 11 million Volkswagen vehicles in America and 8 million in Europe were equipped with a “defeat device,” which activated during emissions tests—kind of like how kids pretend to be straight-A students when the principal walks into class! The “Dieselgate” scandal revealed that these cars were programmed to fool regulators into thinking the engines were cleaner than they really were. It was all a performance—a fabrication of cleanliness. They cared more about appearing clean than being clean.

Unfortunately, all sinners are hardwired with a desire to perform and pretend—especially when everybody is looking. Thanks to the Fall, hypocrisy is embedded within our spiritual DNA. We are naturally inclined to care more about looking clean than being clean. We often sit up straight and give our righteousness a “tune-up” when we know we are being watched and when others’ approval is on the line. That is why Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:1).

Whether we are really righteous is revealed by who we are and what we do when no one else is looking but God. Our real character is unmasked when there is no audience—when the doors are locked and the curtains are drawn. The Lord is simply unimpressed by external righteousness that pleases the eyes of others. He is looking for internal righteousness that pleases His eyes—a righteousness that cares more about pleasing Him than performing for people. And He promises to reward such done-in-secret righteousness.

There is no reward for hypocrisy—only the high cost of exposure on the day of judgment. Like Volkswagen’s rigged software, a life of pretend piety might fool others for a while, but it cannot delude the Divine Inspector. Synthetic spirituality may earn you smiles from sinners, but you will not receive the smile of the Father. One day, God will expose every person living with a spiritual “defeat device,” for He will “bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart” (1 Cor. 4:5). So, ask yourself: Am I more concerned with being holy or looking holy? Do I care more about private obedience or a public performance?

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Frail Faith | Bible Gleanings | May 24-25, 2025

Leave a comment

Twelve long years of suffering and shame. She endured menstrual hemorrhages for over a decade, and all that they entailed: the physical toll of losing blood, the emotional distress of losing friends, and the spiritual anguish of losing faith (Matt. 9:22). And because of her condition, she was unable to have a husband or children. She was even forbidden from entering the Temple because she was deemed ritually unclean (Lev. 15:19-27). She had not asked for this kind of life, and she was running out of options and life itself—until she heard that a man named Jesus was passing through town (Mark 5:27).

She was determined to get to Him, no matter what (Luke 8:42b-43). The woman knew very little about Jesus—she had no opportunity to do so because of her law-mandated solitary confinement. The only theology she had came from hearsay and town-talk, but she resolved to act in faith on what little knowledge she possessed. “He doesn’t have to stop for me,” she must have thought, as she waded through the multitude and snuck behind Jesus to grab a tassel of His tunic. “I won’t get in His way. Perhaps if I come near enough to touch His clothes, that will be enough,” she hoped.

Twelve years of humiliation, blood loss, and spiritual despair vanished in an instant (Luke 8:44). She was right: the Master’s touch—even if it was only the fringe of His garments—was all that she needed. Although her faith in Jesus was inadequate and incomplete, she allowed it to influence her behavior. She took what little she knew about Christ, and by faith, staked everything on the sufficiency of His power. Her faith might have been insufficient and imperfect, but the Object of her faith was sufficient and perfect—and Christ rewarded her feeble faith by curing her and accepting her into His spiritual family (Mark 5:34). 

All that is necessary for one to be made spiritually whole and become a child of God is one saving touch from Jesus Christ—one reach of an all-or-nothing faith that takes hold of Christ for salvation. And like this woman, you may not know much about Jesus, but faith is acting on what you do know—even if your faith is mustard-seed-sized. After all, faith as small as a mustard seed is capable of mountain-moving, not because of the one who has faith, but because of the One who rewards it (Matt. 17:20). Certainly, all believers should strive for stronger faith, but as this healed woman would tell you, the Person in whom your faith resides is greater than the quality of your faith. Jesus deserves unwavering faith, but He can work with faith which is frail and flawed—just ask the woman who touched His garments, although she barely knew Him.

This column is from 40 Days with Jesus, my 40-day devotional on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles, available for purchase on Amazon:

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions, Sermons

Healer of the Hurting | Bible Gleanings | May 17-18, 2025

Leave a comment

Word spread like wildfire at dawn’s first light. Everyone woke up a little earlier that morning, as people sprinted from village to village to herald the good news: Jesus had arrived on their shore. The Scripture says, “And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well” (Mark 6:54-56).

The sea bank, tranquil only moments before, immediately became a makeshift hospital, as every kind of sick person was brought to Jesus for healing. Certainly, Christ and the disciples were exhausted from a long night on the raging sea, but the Lord’s compassion for the hurting could not be exhausted. The same God-Man who walked on water now walked among the needy, with hands outstretched to heal the broken.

It was a remarkable sight. The blind began to see. The lame walked. The mute spoke. The crippled ran. Jesus turned no one away during this massive healing crusade.

However, more remarkable is that Jesus was silent through it all. Yet through His actions, He preached a sermon more powerful than words could express, namely, Jesus can be sought anywhere, anytime, by anyone in need. Christ is the Healer of the hurting, whose arms of grace are open to anyone willing to fall into them when they are afflicted. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or what burdens you are carrying—Jesus stands ready to receive you. And we would do well to gather up our sorrow and suffering, dragging them into the presence of Christ, so that He can give us what we need. 

To clarify, Jesus is not a divine bellhop we can abuse to fetch anything we want. But like the needy multitude, we should run to Jesus with our needs, believing that He knows what is best for us, and that He will provide precisely what we need in His time. Lay your burdens, heartaches, and fears at His feet. And whether He relieves you of such afflictions or sustains you through them, His message is the same: He is there for you—anytime and at any place—and He will not turn you away.

This column is from 40 Days with Jesus, my 40-day devotional on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles, available for purchase on Amazon:

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Blessed by the Blaze | Bible Gleanings | May 10-11, 2025

Leave a comment

They would not give up, even if it meant burning to death. Refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into a blazing furnace—uncertain of survival, but certain that God vindicates the righteous (Dan. 3:8-30). Centuries later, Stephen boldly proclaimed the gospel even as he faced death by stoning (Acts 7:54-60). The apostles continued to preach Christ despite being continuously flogged and imprisoned (Acts 5:40-42; 12:1-5; 16:22-24). And ever since, an innumerable number of faithful saints have endured fiery persecution in the form of ostracization, deprivation, starvation, and execution; and, unexpectedly, Jesus taught that those who face such persecution are blessed: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10).

Persecution is the roaring lion’s way of attempting to frighten the church into silence. However, Jesus taught that persecuted Christians have no reason to fear; rather, they should rejoice because they are living like their Savior. When you look like the Christ which the world hates, the world will hate you, too (John 15:18-19). That is why persecution, no matter how brutal, is actually a blessing. Therefore, Peter encouraged, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Peter 4:14).

And no one understands persecution more than Jesus. He was expelled from towns, accused of being demonic, unjustly tried, and eventually hung on a criminal’s crucifix. Thus, persecution is not a possibility for those who live and look like Jesus—it’s a promise. That is why Paul stated, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12, KJV). And as Jesus Himself taught, “But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:12).

This column is from 40 Days with Jesus, my 40-day devotional on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles, available for purchase on Amazon:

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Pursuing a Pure Heart | Bible Gleanings | May 3-4, 2025

Leave a comment

If you didn’t know any better, it might appear as though he was making a costly mistake. He would light a blazing fire, and let it burn until it was so intense that it made hell seem chilly. Next, when his crucible was hot enough, he would do something really bizarre: he would place silver or gold inside. The metals weren’t being burned for fun or fuel, however, but for refinement. In ancient days, craftsmen would do precisely this in order to purify gold and silver. By heating the metals until the dross ascended to the surface, and then scraping it away, the result was the finest gold and purest silver you had ever seen.

And this is what Jesus meant when He commanded believers to be “pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8a). A pure heart is one that is being continuously refined in the crucible of God’s saving and sanctifying grace, leaving behind a clean heart that is worth more than all of the gold and silver in the world. Jesus wants the hearts of His saints to be free from sin-impurities, contamination, and all other imperfections that do not belong. And purity is most vital in the heart, since the life we live flows from it (Matt. 15:19). If the spring of the heart is impure, then impurity will permeate one’s life through a stream of impure actions (Prov. 4:23).

Most importantly, only the pure in heart “shall see God” (Matt. 5:8b). As David explained, “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:3-5). The writer of Hebrews likewise warned, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). And this is one of the many reasons for Christ’s sacrificial death: “[Jesus] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).

To have a pure heart, we must acknowledge the wickedness of our hearts (Prov. 20:9), and plead for God’s cleansing, as David did: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). We must also immerse ourselves in the pure word of God (Psalm 12:6-7). The psalmist’s question and answer was spot-on: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word” (Psalm 119:9; cf. Prov. 19:8; John 15:3; 17:17).

This column is from 40 Days with Jesus, my 40-day devotional on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles, available for purchase on Amazon:

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions, Sermons

Following Jesus | Bible Gleanings | April 26-27, 2025

Leave a comment

Amid the noise of splashing water and the smell of squirming fish, Peter and Andrew heard a voice which arrested their attention—it was the voice of Jesus, who issued an invitation that would transform their lives forever: “Follow Me” (Mark 1:17a). Christ did not call these fishermen to follow traditions or adhere to a set of teachings. He did not invite them to attend synagogue services. He ordered these men to follow Him—to say what He said, do what He did, think what He thought, and go where He went. And anyone who heeds this same two-word heavenly summons will have both their life and eternity changed forevermore.

And when Christ urges you to follow Him, He expects nothing less than wholehearted obedience and absolute adherence to Him. When you follow Jesus, you don’t get to blaze your own trail, follow your own rules, or live any way you please. Followers of Christ walk the narrow road that leads to life, obey His commands in Scripture, and make it their aim to please Him. Following Jesus as Lord and Master even entails daily self-denial and sacrifice, as Jesus told all His would-be followers that they must say no to themselves and yes to any cross He gave them to carry: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Thus, those who wish to follow Christ at all must follow Him above all.

Those who “follow” Jesus only when it is convenient with a what’s-in-it-for-me attitude aren’t authentic followers. All throughout His life, Jesus was surrounded by large crowds of “fans” who flocked to Him only when He worked miracles and provided free meals of fish and loaves (Matt. 4:25; 8:1; Mark 3:7; 5:24; John 6:1-14). However, when they realized that following Jesus was costly, requiring surrender and submission, they followed Him no longer. As John recounted, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (John 6:66). Therefore, the questions we must continually ask ourselves are, Which am I? Am I a fan among the crowd, or a follower carrying a cross?

This column is from my newest book, 40 Days with Jesus, which is a forty-day daily devotional on the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus. This book is available in hardcover and paperback on Amazon:

Bible Gleanings, devotions

The Need-Meeter | Bible Gleanings | April 11-12, 2025

Leave a comment

He was not possessed by a demon. Leprosy had not afflicted him. He wasn’t confined to a mat like a paralytic. He wasn’t stricken with sensory impairments, such as blindness or deafness. He wasn’t hanging on by a thread—his life was relatively good, aside from his wilted hand: “He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand” (Matt. 12:9-10a).

The man with a withered hand didn’t have the worst condition in the world, but what he suffered from was a big deal to him. And, it was a big deal to Jesus. Christ didn’t say, “Look, man. You have it good compared to other folks who are really struggling. I don’t have time for this. Have you tried physical therapy?” Instead, Jesus cared about the man’s well-being and sufficiently met his needs. As Luke recorded, “And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored” (Luke 6:10).

This was not among Jesus’ top ten greatest miracles. He fed multitudes with fish and loaves, calmed raging storms, and healed every kind of disease (Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 4:35-41; Acts 10:38). He even raised Lazarus from the grave (John 11:38-44)! But the man with the withered hand didn’t need a feast, an exorcism, or a resurrection—he simply needed his hand restored. And Christ was willing and able to give the man exactly what he needed, although it was modest compared to the other great miracles He performed during His earthly ministry.

The truth is, all of our needs are significant to God, no matter how insignificant they may seem in comparison to the greater needs of others. Nothing is too small for His attention or too great for His power. The Lord’s care is so personal and precise that He even cares about what we eat and what we wear (Matt. 6:30-33). And when you come to Him for provision, like the man with the withered hand, “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).

This column is from 40 Days with Jesus, my 40-day devotional on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles, available for purchase on Amazon:

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

The Water-Walker | Bible Gleanings | April 5-6, 2025

Leave a comment

The golden sun hid behind the hills as dusk descended upon an incredible day of miracles. The disciples were still short of breath after the feeding of the five thousand, exhausted from the massive crowds they helped feed, and from their hearts racing with wonder. Hopes were high. The crowds were ecstatic. Jesus and His disciples were gaining unstoppable momentum.

Then Jesus gave them a perplexing command, undoubtedly producing glances of bewilderment: “Get into the boat and go on without Me. I’ll meet you on the other side” (cf. Mark 6:45-46). Jesus had sent them to preach, heal, and cast demons, but He had never sent them away. Strange as it was, they obeyed because they trusted Him, and then they rowed away after one final look at Him. And unbeknownst to them, a storm was brewing nearby—and they were headed right for it.

The wind whistled. The waves of the deep arose, slamming against their vessel. And it was too late to turn back—they were four miles away from the shore where they last saw their Lord (John 6:19). But to their surprise, they saw Him again—smack-dab in the middle of this tempest—and not rowing after them in a boat, but walking on the raging sea. Terrified, they mistook Him for a ghost, which only amplified their paralyzing fear. And then they heard a voice that calmed their anxious hearts while the storm raged on: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27b).

That the Creator could walk effortlessly on the water which He fashioned is astounding, but not astonishing. What is staggering is that Jesus sent the disciples to the sea knowing that they would be met by a violent storm. And He did so in order for them to experience His unmatched power and the peace of His presence in the midst of turmoil. Without the life-threatening storm, they would have never known the fear-dissolving authority of His word nor the sustaining comfort of His nearness. Jesus was all they needed, but they only learned that lesson when Jesus was all they had.

The Lord still allows storms to come our way and sometimes sends us directly to them for the same reason: to show us that He is enough. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that slams me against the Rock of Ages.” Thankfully, Jesus is never miles away during life’s tempests—He is in the boat with us. Even more, He walks on the waves which threaten to overwhelm us, bringing with Him the grace and mercy we require to endure. Let the Lord’s reassuring promise of His presence bring you calm in the midst of chaos: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20b).

This column is from 40 Days with Jesus, my 40-day devotional on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles, available for purchase on Amazon:

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, and their three dogs, Susie, Aries, and Dot. Brandon and Dakota are also foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and a religious columnist for the Advance Yeoman newspaper in Ballard County, Kentucky. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. His columns are also featured in the Times-Argus newspaper of Central City, Kentucky, West Kentucky News of western Kentucky, and the online blog, Reforming the Heart.