And when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on the land.
This verse describes a situation that seems ordinary on the outside, yet is tense within. The disciples are in the middle of the lake, and Christ is alone on the land. This separation shows that at times the Lord leaves His disciples in a condition where they feel His absence. Yet this absence is not real, but only outward. He is not far in His care, even if He is not visibly with them. The disciples are in the middle of the journey, neither where they had come from nor where they were going. This is often characteristic of the believer’s life as well: to be in process, with an apparent uncertainty. And Christ is alone on the land, but not indifferent: He sees, knows, and governs what is happening. This verse reminds us that even when we feel alone in the “lake” of life, Christ does not abandon us. His presence may not be seen, but His care never ceases.