WATCHWORD:
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:35-40
Meditation:
Check the Weather
When we think of Jesus we often think of his walking on the wind-swept waters of the Sea of Galilee. Or we think of him asleep in the boat with the disciples in the midst of a terrible storm. The fact that we are reminded time after time that he comes in the midst of a storm, should reassure us.
How could Jesus be sleeping in the midst of a storm, so violent that the disciples were fearful for their lives, waves breaking over the boat, nearly swamping it? It’s hard to imagine our Lord and savior sleeping through a time that must have been one of the worst in the lives of his friends.
Do we sometimes feel that Jesus is nowhere to be found in the midst of a crisis that is threatening. Sometimes we are brought to the very edge and we see no future and we wonder if we’re going to leave the hospital alive, or get through this situation with any stability? Where, Lord, are you?
Do you think Jesus would leave you alone in your boat of misery? When you cry out, Where are you, Lord? is there a whispered voice that says “I am here and I will never leave you”. Do you believe that? In that situation when they woke Jesus he chided them on their small faith. Would he say the same thing to you? Jesus was there with you and he didn’t leave your boat, neither did he abandon you. We need to rest in the peace and confidence that that fact and our faith should give us.
What is the weather like in our life of faith? Are you in the midst of a storm? Are you at peace? Anxious? Calm? Afraid? What would Jesus say to you? “Come, faithful one, enjoy the peace of my presence,” or, Do you still have no faith?
The apostle Paul suffered more imprisonments, more beatings, and more persecution than any other disciple. Even through the worst affliction, Paul knew that Jesus was always with him and that Jesus loved him completely. Recall this passage from Romans 8:35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us.
Doesn’t that give us a sense of peace knowing that Jesus is with us, that he strengthens our faith and leads us to peace? It doesn’t matter what storm we’re going through, Jesus is right there with us. Nothing can remove his presence from us, and His love endures forever. So be it, my friend, so be it.
A Thought Along the Journey:
The best things of life are often on the other side of the storm, things you may find beyond your control. God, please give us the grace to honor you in our place.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, God of all weather, be with me, Lord, when I face storms of life, some of which I have created for myself. Forgive me when I have gone astray and find myself in a small boat swamped by waves of trouble. I know that you are with me. I know that you will deliver me from this darkness. Help me to be a person who honors you at all times, even as the storm rages around me. I see a brightening on the horizon; that must be You. Thank you Heavenly Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
