Escape

Jesus departed with His disciples to the sea, and a large crowd followed from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and around Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him because they heard about everything He was doing. Then He told His disciples to have a small boat ready for Him, so the crowd would not crush Him. Since He had healed many, all who had diseases were pressing toward Him to touch Him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, those possessed fell down before a Him and cried out, "You are the Son of God!" And He would strongly warn them not to make Him known. Mark 3:7-12

Jesus had just had an altercation with the Pharisees because He healed a man's withered hand on the Sabbath. Now He moves away, going to the sea. It seems to be a place to go, there or the mountains. I like both and understand why He would go there. When I am in a grove of trees, let alone a forest, I sense the presence of God, as if I am with Him in the garden. He loved to meet in the garden in the beginning. I love to be there, I find Him there.

I also love the sea, the power of the waves, the smell of the ocean speaks of the glory of God. Both are good. Jesus would get into the boat and push it out so He could teach the crowd. Sitting in a boat, listening to the lapping of water, smelling the sea, now that would be refreshing after fighting with hard nosed church officials.

The people did not care about the rules, they wanted to see the power and authority of God. Healing and deliverance was where He was at, who would not be there?

Thank You Jesus for coming and persevering with the hard hearted Pharisees and foolish officials. I am so grateful that You came. I am so, so grateful. You are worth knowing, more precious than air. Amen!