The Fourth Watch

In the story of Mark 6:46-51, Jesus had sent the disciples away in a boat to the other side, and “He departed to the mountain to pray. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 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." Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.”

As we look out over the Middle East and North Africa, the hopes of the Arab Spring that began in Egypt are quickly fading and a frost is setting in with signs of a deepening winter and growing darkness over the land. With the growing darkness a new tempest is coming to blow across the waters bringing waves that will threaten to swamp the feeble boats filled with believers straining at the oars to reach the safety of the shore. Much of what has been accomplished appears to be threatened.

But we must be encouraged, for our High Priest who conquered death and rose again is seated at the right hand of the Father. Through the darkness and the tempest, He sees those who are straining at the oars and is interceding for them. As we look out over the darkness and the tempest that our brothers and sisters face, we cannot be complacent, but must come into agreement with our High Priest to intercede for those who are caught in the storm. We need to intercede for their protection and that they will not become fearful and discouraged, for at the fourth watch when there seems to be no hope, the Lord Almighty will come walking on the water, bringing peace and deliverance from the storm.

Maybe today you are facing a tempest in your life, your family, your business, job or ministry. You feel that the wind is against you. I want to encourage you that your High Priest sees you straining at the oars and He is interceding for you. When the night is the darkest and the waves seems about to swamp your boat, the Savior in whom you put your trust will come walking on the water to bring you deliverance and good cheer.

We live in trying days, but also days of great opportunity to see the glory of the Lord as we never have before. It is not time to pull back, but it is time to intercede for one another and for the persecuted church. As the Apostle Paul encouraged us in Galatians 6:9,

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Despite what you see or what you hear, it is harvest time!

Andy Clark