Do you ever feel that you or someone you know is just drifting through life without a real purpose or direction? When a plan turns off course unexpectedly, those who track the plans wonder what is happening. Or maybe someone is drifting across the lane lines while they are driving. Are they texting? Drunk? High? Impaired is some way? Or maybe they are just driving so slowly that it is backing up traffic. Those who live in south Florida have gotten used to the slow and deliberate drivers.
Our society is noticing that young people are taking longer in life to find their purpose and get started working on it. They are staying at home much longer, years longer than ever before. And it is not just the poor economic outlook that keeps them at home. Even before the downturn in the economy, this failure to launch became a topic of serious discussion. They certainly seemed to lack purpose in their lives.
Jesus has finished a hard day. He has been with the crowds that day. We don’t know exactly what preceded that evening’s events, but we do know he falls asleep in the boat as they are crossing the lake. But how did they get in the middle of that storm? Jesus sent them there. He said they needed to go to the other side of the lake. We don’t know if there is any other discussion or explanation.
The other side is a curious place. It seems as though there was plenty of ministry with the crowds He was with already. Why go across the lake? Certainly part of what drives Him across the lake to the other side is the fact that during His earthly ministry He was limited to being in one place at one time. There certainly was no capability to telecast using the non-existent satellites and video equipment. He could only minister in one place at one time.
As we read Mark’s narrative we find that He goes from the crowds who want to hear what He has to say to see a man who lives in the tombs and is demon possessed who really doesn’t want anything to do with anyone. Does He cross the sea to help this one man?
Notice that Jesus’ purpose involves the whole group. They are with Jesus and the crowds and He invites them to go to the other side. He has a purpose for them as well on the other side.
Sometimes God calls us to go into an “other side” experience. We leave the crowds, the familiar, the comfortable, and have to adjust to a totally new life. It can be driven by illness, relationship trouble, job change, family related issues, phase of life, or any number of other things. But when you get there you realize you are on the “other side.”
Jesus has a purpose for you on the “other side.” Life is a series of events, each one having a beginning, middle and ending. The “other side” represents the opportunity to find the LORD’s purpose in your life in this new circumstance. You may not know the details of the purpose, but be assured, if Jesus is with you, there is a purpose in you being there. Jesus came to do the Father’s will, and now as His followers, we are here to do His will, even on the “other side.”
The Arnold Journey 