DON'T YOU CARE?

Sea of Galilee

"Lord We Perish.....Don't you care?"

Today I was thinking back to my recent trip to Israel with my son, Rusty, back in March of this year, and the day when we went on a boat ride out on the "Sea"of Galilee.  I have purposely put parenthesis on the words, "Sea" -  it's just a title in the Bible.  Actually this is a LAKE in Israel -- fact is, it is the largest fresh water lake in Israel.  Thirteen miles long, and thirteen miles wide -- sitting some 690+ feet below sea level, it is the lowest fresh-water lake on Earth  (the lowest lake overall in the world is to the south of this one -- the Dead Sea).  Some other names for this body of water are:  "Kinneret", "Lake of Gennesaret" and "Lake Tiberias"

 I was reminded of the passage in Matthew 8:24-26, where the disciples were on such a boat ride, when a sudden storm came up.  The wind and waves really "did a number" on that boat -- and for a moment the disciples really believed that this was going to be their last boat ride.

Boat on the Sea of Galilee (very similar to the ones used in Jesus' day)

One unique detail needs to be pointed out from the Biblical passage --- Jesus Christ was ONBOARD that boat with them!  Fact is, the passage indicates that in the midst of this storm, Jesus was sleeping!

Frantically the disciples, thinking this may be the last trip, stirred Jesus and asked a question that millions over time have asked of God -- "Don't you Care?"

"God, don't you care that ......I'm sick?"

"God, don't you care that.....I'm unemployed?"

"God, don't you care that......."

If you have invited Jesus Christ to board your life, then HE is there always!  Notice that I said, "invited."  Just because you are a human being, doesn't guarantee that Jesus lives "onboard" your life.  You have to ASK  HIM to reside in your life.  You have to make a place for HIM to live in your life. You have to acknowledge HIM in your life.

If Jesus Christ, by your invitation, lives in your life, then no matter what you are going through, HE IS THERE!  And, YES, HE cares for you!

Frank Graeff in 1901 penned these words:

"Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song?....

Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed to resist some temptation strong?....

OH YES HE CARES, I KNOW HE CARES,

HIS HEART IS TOUCHED WITH MY GRIEF;

WHEN THE DAYS ARE WEARY, THE LONG NIGHTS DREARY,

I KNOW MY SAVIOR CARES."

And, Oh, my the way -- think -- you're in a storm -- you think you may not survive -- but Jesus is IN your life.  If your boat sinks -- HE sinks with it!  Cheer up!  

If Jesus is on board, you CAN'T GO UNDER!