As the Master and His disciples headed towards the sea, they met the crowds, and those who came to Jesus to be healed of their illnesses, freed from evil spirits and forgiven of their sins were taken care of. Christ then went up the mountain and then went home, always doing the work (Mark 3.7-35). Upon returning to the seaside, the Savior, who was putting divine power into action to free the oppressed, giving peace to all, began to tell stories to convey His doctrine, teaching the people their rights in the Word of God. That day, Jesus and His disciples worked until late (Mark 4:1-35).

          On this occasion, Christ told the parable of the sower and then moved on to the parable of the lampstand, showing that God would not light the souls of those who were there if they were to do nothing. Today, many at church don't want to become the Lord's witnesses, so no revelation is given to them. If they listened to the Word, they could be successful in their faith in the Savior.

           During the Master's ministry, Mark did not record the healing of the sick or the forgiveness of sins. That moment was meant to teach the Truth. Now, anyone who didn't want to know what was necessary to succeed in faith would understand nothing. As the day drew to a close, Jesus ordered His disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It's wonderful to know that the Lord's doctrine enlightens us and, with this understanding, we solve our problems.

             It's interesting to observe that God directs us in everything, so that everyone listens with the ears of their heart and receives His Word. No one can say that they didn't understand what happened in a service to the Lord and therefore weren't blessed. The command to us is to do the work: I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.  (John 9.4) If there are people with goodwill, God works!

         Soon, the period that God has prepared to do the work will end, and then anyone who is not dressed in character, endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and forgiven of their sins will not enter the Glory of the Father (Matthew 22.11-13). Salvation is guaranteed to all, but only those who persevere to the end will obtain it:   And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved (Mark 13.13).

           On the other shore of the sea, there was more work to be done. So the disciples led Jesus just as He was. What an example the King of kings gave us! Although He was the important one among them, He let Himself be led as they pleased. On the other side, people were healed, and others heard a message from God that transformed their lives. The Lord is always ready to bless!

              Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  (John 14.12). So let's learn to live in God's presence so that we have answers for those who come to us. It is good to serve Him with faith, ready to help those in need and oppressed by the devil. True Christians live before the Lord continually and can therefore provide solutions to people's problems.

          In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares