NOVEMBER 4, 2014
Perception
Or Reality?
Read: Mark
4:35-41
Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? —Mark 4:38
We often hear it said,
“Perception is reality.” That idea for Americans may have dawned on September
26, 1960—the date of the first televised debate between two presidential
candidates. In front of the cameras, John Kennedy appeared composed; Richard
Nixon appeared nervous. The perception was that Kennedy would be a stronger
leader. The debate not only turned that election, but it also changed the way
politics is done in the US. Politics by perception became the rule of the day.
Sometimes perception
is reality. But not always—especially our perceptions about God. When Jesus and
His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a small fishing vessel, a
sudden storm threatened to sink the boat. With Jesus asleep and the disciples
on the verge of panic, they began to stir Him, asking, “Teacher, do You not care
that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).
Their question sounds
similar to questions I’ve asked. At times I perceive God’s apparent inactivity
as a lack of care. But His care for me goes well beyond what I can see or
measure. Our God is deeply concerned for what concerns us. He urges us to place
all our care upon Him, “for He cares for [us]” (1 Peter 5:7). That is true
reality.
O yes, He cares; I
know He cares!
His heart is touched
with my grief;
When the days are
weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior
cares. —Graeff
Even
when we don’t sense God’s presence, His loving care is all around us.
Insight
It appears that each
of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) had a distinct audience and
approach to telling Jesus’ story. Some scholars believe that Mark’s telling of
the story was directed primarily to a Roman audience, and that his approach to
Christ was to present Him as the “divine Servant.” This theme is rooted in
Jesus’ own words about His mission when He said, “Even the Son of Man did not
come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark
10:45). This theme would have had a strong connection for a Roman audience in
the first century.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012