He Meant To Pass Them By

Mark 6:48 is an amazing verse in an amazing passage. Jesus has miraculously fed the five thousand and has sent his disciples on a boat ride to the other side of the Galilee. He remained on the hillside, dealing with the loss of John the Baptist and talking it over with the Father. He was also keeping an eye out on his guys.
A storm came up, the wind blew, the boys really had to work to keep the bow lined up and the water bailed. Jesus saw it all. In fact, the text seems he was looking on with the faith of knowing they were going to get across to the other side. He cared, but he didn't get all nervous and edgy.
The verse says, "And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass them by, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost," They freaked out, probably lost control of the boat because they were all screaming like girls, and he had to jump in and calm the waves before they sank. But did you notice that he meant to pass them by? Kinda sticks a wrench in my well-ordered theology of Jesus coming to the rescue whenever storms hit.
This tells me he doesn't always calm the winds or still the waves. Whoa!
However, when I think it through, I see a tremendous keeping power of grace in this story. Jesus sent the guys out! Jesus watched from afar! Jesus went out to be nearby, though without the intent of bailing for them! I think if they hadn't gone neurotic, Jesus would have gone on ahead and breakfast would've been ready when they got there....wet...worked up....tired....but absolutely fine in the end!
What does that say to me? Well, he said he'd always be with me. I might have to work through some stiff winds and hefty waves...might even get wet and worn out in the battle...might get a rope burn or a jammed thumb...or have to learn to lift faith above fear...but, he will always be there. Fact is, I might be a whole lot better off by trying to avoid going psycho in the really rough weather of life. I'm learning to think of the breakfast waiting for me on the other side. How 'bout you?
Pastor Jim