This morning my eyes opened to 8:09 on the clock. I consider this sleeping in, and was shocked to see how late it was. Looking outside, I noticed raindrops on the windows and in my backyard, the patio furniture pillows were soaked, and garden wood chips were strewn about. Apparently, we had quite the storm last night, but I didn't even hear a whisper of the wind, despite my bedroom windows being opened. Is this how it was for Jesus while he slept peacefully during a storm, on a boat being bandied about with waves threatening to drown the wide awake men on board?
Mark 4:35-38
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest not that we perish?
● Was Jesus unaware, and therefore undisturbed, and unafraid?
You and I are not in charge of the weather, but their are human beings trying to take charge, and they have had some success in their manipulations of rain and wind. Today the sun shines brightly: the wicked ones would love to blot out the golden ball of heat and light, to chill and darken our world, dimming it so that we cannot see God's glory.
● Is God aware of their plots and plans? Is he disturbed and afraid of their machinations?
We are promised trouble and tribulation in this world while we reside here, and the disciples experienced first hand what terror felt like in the presence of the Lord. While he slept, they panicked, and wondered how he could possibly repose so easily while they felt as though death was imminent. They were aware of a threat, and they wondered, Is he completely oblivious?
● Does it seem to you that God is oblivious and napping, while humanity goes up in hell fire flames? Is God resting while we are reacting?
Jesus was on a ship, and there were other little ships out on the water that evening: waves filled these vessels, and perishing seemed a real possibility for the sailors. Imagine there surprise, when:
Mark 4:39
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
I was astonished to learn that my son, and my morning client, did not sleep last night because of the harshness and brutality of the storm. I picture the faces of the sailors in the boat with this astonishing passenger, and the faces of the sailors in the other little ships, when suddenly and abruptly, the wind ceased, there was great calm, and all because Jesus spoke the words, Peace, be still to the raging wind and sea.
● How aware are you that God is all powerful, and that he tells us repeatedly, Biblically so, to be undisturbed, and unafraid? Surely we can grieve, because Jesus wept; surely we can sorrow, because many a man of God did so also, but not having faith, isn't an option (please excuse the double negative English majors). Believers know going to Jesus is our only option to calm the storms that threaten to drown us in our despair.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:40)
Jesus' response to the disciples panic makes it seem as though fear is silly and unnecessary. The question is, if I may be so bold as to extrapolate just a little for our clarity on the subject while we are together, Aren't you aware that when I am with you, you need not be disturbed or afraid?
● When you are in God's presence, do you feel the still and great calm? Does being with him give you the peace you need to perceive that he is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent? The disciples were in the presence of God and observed his Masterful control over the elements; we have the benefit of learning from them, What manner of man Jesus was, and What manner of God, he is:
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41)
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding
Dear reader, if the wind and the sea obey him, I suggest it is foolish for you and I, to disobey the Master of the universe. He holds in his mighty hands the power to give and take life, and that ought to stir up some revert fear and trembling in mortal mankind.
May the Son shine brightly in your soul, illuminating your mind, filling your heart with brilliant light, and giving your spirit a God glow that marks you as unmistakably, his.
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