Judges 17 and 18 contain an involved story about a man named Micah, his priest from the Levites and the Danites. Micah makes a silver idol and retains the services of a priest who comes to him from Bethlehem in Judah. The Danites are looking for land to settle and visit Micah. They receive a blessing from the priest and eventually take land near Laish. The Danites take the idol, retain the services of the priest and move them to their new land.

The scripture states that the people are doing what is right in their own eyes. Clearly they are not following the commands of the Lord. They are setting themselves up for a fall.

In Mark 6 Jesus returns to Nazareth. He teaches in the synagogue and the people take offense at his teaching. Because of their unbelief he could not do deeds of power except for a few healings.

Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs giving them authority over unclean spirits. He tells them to go only to places that welcome them. The disciples cast out demons and heal the sick.

King Herod hears about Jesus and thinks that John the baptizer has come back to life even though he had him beheaded.

After the disciples return Jesus takes them to a deserted place to be refreshed, but people see them going and meet them there. Jesus has compassion on them and teaches them until it is late. The disciples want Jesus to send them away but Jesus tells the disciples to feed them. They collect five loves and two fish. Jesus blesses the food and has the disciples distribute the food. There are twelve baskets remaining.

Jesus sends them out in the boat without him. There is a storm and the disciples are struggling to keep it under control. Jesus comes to them walking on the water. The disciples think he is a ghost. Jesus gets into the boat with them and the wind calms. The disciples are astounded.

Some say that the remaining twelve baskets were meant to show each of the twelve disciples what Jesus can do. Even after seeing all of the miracles and being able to do mighty acts with his authority, the disciples still have trouble believing. They wonder how the people will be fed; they become afraid in the boat. We are much like the disciples. We see God working in our lives every day. We hear about Jesus each week. We feel the Spirit moving in our lives. And yet, when we are faced with a challenge we become afraid. We wonder how we will get through. But God is faithful and takes care of us even in our disbelief. How long will it take us before we stop doubting, stop fearing…and believe?