The Other Side - part 1

The Other Side - part 1
Mark 4.35-41

The other side is a scary place. It is full of unknowns and uncertainties. It remains a mystery as long as it remains the other side. It remains "there" instead of "here". But when we travel to the other side we find some thing amazing happens in us and through us.

Many times in life we are content to stay right where we are - comfortable - unchallenged - familiar - unmoved. We don't like the feeling that the unknown brings. We don't like being outside of our comfort zones. We don't travel outside of our usual circles. We don't wander too far from the sidewalk. But is this what we have been called to do? Is this how Christ lived? Is this what He saved us for?

The "other side of the lake" (Mark 4.35) or the Sea of Galilee was Gentile territory. It was a foreign place to the disciples. They wouldn't have traveled there because it was outside of their culture. It was considered unclean. It was so far from their beliefs that they would never have gone there. Yet Jesus tells His disciples, "Let's go to the other side of the lake."

Jesus was making a point in this statement. He never just says something to say something. He lived His entire life with purpose - on purpose. He was going to take the gospel to the Gentiles. He was going to expose His followers to new territory. He was going to show them the BIG picture. He was the Savior of the Jews and the Gentiles. He was living out John 3:16 - for God so loved the world. 

Many times we get stuck on our side of the world. We get comfortable and complacent. We get hung up on the minors. We don't go to the people unlike us simple because they aren't like us. They don't live like us - believe like us - talk like us - look like us. If God wants to reach them then He will send some one like them to them. 

WRONG!

The people on the other side don't need our pity or our things. They don't require our money or possessions. They don't request our arrogance or service. They need our lives.

Jesus is telling us that He is for ALL people and He is sending us to ALL people. 

Where is the other side in your life? Who are the people that live on the other side? Will you be the one to get in the boat with Jesus and go to them? Will you make there here?

Prayer: Lord you asked Your disciples to go with You to the other side, and now You are asking me. Give me the courage to get in the boat, the love to stay in the boat and the strength to see it through. Help me to see others as You see them. Help me to love others as you love them. Help me to go to the other side with You and share Your live an hope with them.