Save with Jesus in the storm! (R) (22/5/2023)
Mark 4:37-40 "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - NIV
Jesus was crossing over the lake in a boat with His disciples. As they rowed, a furious storm that threatened not only the boat, but its people as well, broke over them. The disciples who were themselves experienced sea users, did what they could, but knew that this wasn’t a manageable challenge. They wondered why Jesus was sleeping when death was so close. They woke Him up, asking, ‘don’t you care if we drown.’
Jesus was sleeping amidst a furious storm. So confident and peaceful He was. He woke up and calmed the storm. He expected them to have faith enough to calm the storm. The storms represent the challenges of life we go through. And they are many. Sometimes they are too strong and appear to threaten our lives. And God seems quiet. But He always comes through.
We cannot drown in the storms of life with Jesus in us and with us. He expects us by faith to speak to our situations; the mountains and storms. And yet we most times do what the disciples did; cry out in helpless fear about what’s facing us rather than address it by the authority given to us.
Jesus asked them why they still had no faith, meaning by now they should have and use it. But thank God even if we fail, He helps our weaknesses and calms the storm for us. We are save with Jesus in the storms. Face them in His name!
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Shalom children of God.