Glory to Glory

Post date: Mar 18, 2014 9:58:47 PM

Today, prior to choosing a topic for this month’s issue I had been reading a passage of scripture when two unrelated memories, both of which had been a source of confusion for me, seemed to collide head on in my mind. The first was a memory of a worship song that I once sang containing the verse ““from glory to glory He’s changing me”.  The second memory was a cartoon of Jesus that had been drawn in a children’s bible story book which depicted Jesus walking on an almost calm sea. To my delight, my bible study in Mark chapter 6 would provide the key to unlock the confusion that I had been experiencing. Allow me to share my insights with you.

 Who were Christ’s Disciples?

   The God inspired doctrine of Jesus differed from that of the traditional religious doctrine that was taught by the Jewish leadership. In order to spread His doctrine it was necessary for Jesus to choose faithful followers who would willingly commit themselves to be learners. The original Disciples were the twelve men who were called by Jesus at the start of His earthly ministry. There were others who would believe and follow after experiencing His life changing message of love and acceptance.      

 The Greek dictionary translates the word disciple to be mean pupil. A disciple was a committed follower of Christ and a student of His doctrine. They were both men and women just like you and me who, prior to meeting Jesus, were exposed to a religious system that believed in the God of creation which was expecting  a soon to be revealed Messiah. They were people who were coping with life but in spite of their religious convictions they were slowly drowning in a sea of hardship.

 Mark 6: 48   “… And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.”

 The Disciples in this passage were Jesus’ closest companions. They were experienced fishermen who, despite their reluctance, set sail on a journey at the insistence of Jesus. The anticipated storm brought thick looming clouds, howling winds and high waves which seemingly swallowed the tiny ship from sight. Their skills were no match for this unrelenting storm, so, in an act of desperation and as a last resort they drew faith out of the well of their hearts. Their spiritual ears and eyes were instantly opened in time to perceive and to acknowledge the presence of Jesus walking upon the water. 

 Mark 6: 48-49 “…and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But they saw him walking on the water…”

 There was a second more powerful storm in this account that was experienced by the disciples but easily overlooked by the reader. It occurred in the unseen seas of the human heart where their ship of emotions and human reasoning was being battered by the winds of Jesus prayers of intercession. The disciples could have drowned in their doubts, unbelief and religious tradition had it not been for Jesus. Their  faith-fueled cry of surrender; “I BELIEVE!” prompted His immediate response and intervention. Now I think that’s just really cool!

 Mark 6: 54-55 And when they(disciples) were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

 What a transformation! The instant they knew and believed their enthusiasm and confidence exploded within them so that they ran about the countryside compelling all who were sick to come and to be healed by Jesus! Peter 1:13 states: “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  

 2 Corinthians 3: 16-18….Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

 One of my childhood games was played in a local creek where I’d jump from rock to rock trying to reach the opposite shore, similarly, the Christian life can be compared to that of a believer who is leaping from one spiritual rock to the next where every rock is a new revelation of Jesus and every leap is a leap of faith. A believer is transformed into the image of Jesus one glory at a time until their life’s journey reaches heavens shores.

 My final thought as I review this study is a question. How many times has Jesus been present at a crisis in your life, where you were unaware of His presence, and where He passed you by without intervention?    

 Should you have any questions, comments or if you are in need of prayer feel free to reply.