Devotional Reading from the Daily Common Lectionary: Mark 6: 47-56

Text: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (v. 50)

My father had a tattoo on his right forearm. He got it in Cuba during World War Two. When I was small it still had its colors but by the time he died it was merely a blue blob.

I have found that there is a story behind every tattoo. His was a ribbon with “Mother” in memory of his mother. Above it was an American flag with 48 stars. Below was a flower.  One has to be careful because skin art is essentially forever.

I often wondered what tattoo I would have if I ever got one. I think that it would be today’s text; “Be not afraid.”

I’m afraid of many things. Irrational things. I always have been. Yet Jesus’ words to the disciples is the same word the angel spoke to Mary. It is what God whispered to the Old Testament prophets. It is a word that God still whispers in the hearts of those who decide to take Jesus seriously.

“Be not afraid, it is I.” Yes, be not afraid;  God is right here.

Lord, you did not give me a fearful spirit but a spirit of  power and strength and discipline. Let me never forget that. Amen.