Read
A Storm
(Matthew 8.23-27; Mark 4.35-41)
22One day, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat, and he said, “Let's cross the lake.” They started out, 23and while they were sailing across, he went to sleep.
Suddenly a storm struck the lake, and the boat started sinking. They were in danger. 24So they went to Jesus and woke him up, “Master, Master! We are about to drown!”
Jesus got up and ordered the wind and waves to stop. They obeyed, and everything was calm. 25Then Jesus asked the disciples, “Don't you have any faith?”
But they were frightened and amazed. They said to each other, “Who is this? He can give orders to the wind and the waves, and they obey him!”
Reflect
As the disciples wrestled with the question, “Who is Jesus?” it was a slow learning process. They had already seen him heal a Roman centurion’s servant and raise a widow’s son from the dead. They ate with him, walked with him, talked with him. But did they really KNOW Him?
That day’s “lesson” began with a simple request from Jesus: “Let’s cross the lake” (v 22). It was smooth sailing at first. So much so that Jesus took a nap. And then the storm hit.
The Sea of Galilee is susceptible to dynamic weather, lying in a valley surrounded by high hills. Some of the disciples were seasoned fishermen who were no strangers to the squalls that can rise suddenly and whip the waters into a frenzy. But this storm was so violent that they were terrified, convinced that they were in imminent danger of drowning. As they awakened Jesus with their shouts I’m not sure what they thought he might be able to do to save them. But we do know they weren’t prepared for what he did do!
After Jesus calmed the storm and the sea by simply commanding them to be still, the disciples were both terrified and amazed. With wide eyes darting from one to the other they asked among themselves, “Who is this? He can give orders to the wind and the waves, and they obey him!” (v 25) It is a question any serious seeker of the truth still contemplates today.
When we accept Jesus’ simple invitation to walk with him we don’t know what lies ahead. But we can face the future with confidence knowing that he is more than equal to any challenge that comes our way, whether an outward circumstance or a storm within.
Respond
Lord of Creation, whose power knows no bounds, speak peace into the storms that blow across my life, and I will worship you in awe and reverence. In your powerful name I pray. Amen.
Bill Bonikowsky
Bill Bonikowsky is a writer, editor and photographer. Born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and raised in Guelph ON, Bill currently resides in Nanaimo BC with his wife Shirley. He ministered with Youth for Christ for over 27 years as a youth minister and editor of YFC’s monthly newsletter. He pastored a church in Arlington Heights, IL for 2 ½ years, and served as Communications Officer for Alpha Ministries Canada for 10½ years. Bill has three grown sons and ten grandchildren. Publications: Contributing writer for the NIV Life Application Bible; Editor of Report to the People newsletter for Greater Vancouver Youth for Christ for 20 years; Editor of Alpha News for Alpha Ministries Canada for five years; Published in the Canadian anthologies “A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider” (2011), "Hot Apple Cider With Cinnamon" (2015) and "Christmas With Hot Apple Cider" (2017).
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