Jesus had healed many and the crowds continued to gather, so He said, “Let’s go across the lake.” On their way, a violent storm blew in, splashing and almost swamping the boat. Meanwhile, Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat on a cushion.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matthew 8:25
… “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38
I suspect it was either Matthew or Luke who posed the second question as they conveniently excluded it from their version of the story.
Jesus got up and said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was calm. He may have also been talking to the disciples.
The men were amazed and asked “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him.” Matthew 8:27
If the boat was rocking and waves were splashing, how did Jesus remain asleep? Perhaps the Father provided a quiet, dry refuge for His Son’s well needed rest.
If Jesus had not been awakened and did not command the storm to be silent, would the boat have capsized, drowning all aboard? I doubt it. They all still had much more work to do, and it wasn’t their time.
How often did Jesus face a threat before His time and was delivered by the Father? When He began to reveal Who He really was, they tried to seize Him, stone Him, or throw Him off a cliff,
But He walked right through the crowd and went on His way. Like 4:30
Quite the feat with every eye on Him. It had to be the Father’s Hand. Jesus did not fear the storm or the crowd, for He was attuned to the Father’s will. The Lord protected Jesus and His followers even in distress.
Does that mean we should row foolishly into the path of the storm expecting the Lord to rescue us? Certainly not.
Jesus answered, It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Luke 4:12
Besides, the Lord may decide to let you suffer the consequences of your own stupidity.
When angry winds blow and mighty waves threaten to drag us into the depths, we can cry out to the Lord:
“Master, the storm is raging around me, and I am afraid. I could use some help; a miracle would be nice about now.”
Be assured: Jesus is always by your side. It is then He rises and calms the storm, or takes you by the hand, carrying you to the water’s edge, placing your feet back on solid ground, the sun warming your face.
The Lord Almighty is in control.
If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. If you would like to read more, subscribe below or email me at John@LiftedKeys.com and we can find a way.
And let me know what your think, in what way a story touched your heart. I value your thoughts.
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