The Message in the Miracle (Pt.2)

(Part 2 of 2)

“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?”-Mark 4:38

How often when we face challenges do we begin to believe that God has left us or is not with us? The presence of wind (adversity) is not an indication that God is not with you. The disciples were facing some pretty heavy stuff and Jesus was right there with them in the boat. In fact, how would we ever know if our faith is genuine if there is never an opportunity to have it tested.

However, I find it interesting when God doesn’t respond to our situations the way we think He should or in the timing we think He should; we assume that He doesn’t care about what we are going through.

“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.”-Mark 4:39

With just a word Jesus calmed the storm and then He turned to the disciples and asked: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”-Mark 4:40. I feel like, in a way, Jesus was saying: “The wind and the waves have died down, but why haven’t you?” What a great thought. How long does it take for you to “calm down” once Jesus has voiced HIs authority over your life?

There is a beautiful song by Scott Krippayne called “Sometimes He Calms the Storm.” One of the lyrics in that song communicates this truth perfectly: Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child.” Let’s take a moment to think about something. Where is it written that God promised to deliver us out of every adverse situation? I can’t seem to find that verse in the Bible. What I do find nestled in the pages of Scripture are promises like: He will never leave us or forsake us and that He will be with us always even to the end of the age.

Old Testament men of faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego did not get sparred the fiery furnace. All three went in. However, we also read that God went in with them. Daniel did not get sparred from being thrown into the lions’ den, but God sent angels to shut the lions’ mouths. God told Joshua, just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. That’s the promise we hold so tightly to: God is with us! In fact, that is the name given to Jesus at His birth, Emmanuel, God with us.

Nevertheless, after seeing Jesus rebuke the wind and waves, the disciples were terrified. One might think that they would be overjoyed by the fact that they were safe from harm, but instead they were shocked and confused:

 “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and the waves obey Him?”-Mark 4:41.

Doesn’t it seem like they were answering their own question? Who is this? Even creation obeys Him! If creation obeys Him, that would make Him the Creator. I wonder how many situations we face in which we recognize Jesus is with us, but don’t have the full revelation of who He is.  It is important to remember that with every parable, teaching, miracle, and act of compassion Jesus is revealing Himself to us so that our faith can be strengthened if we will look for the message in the miracle.

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church