(Part 1 of 2)
“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 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?” 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. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”-Mark 4:35-41
The New Testament is packed full of miracles that Jesus performed. Miracles played a crucial role in Jesus’ life and ministry. Miracles were more than just an opportunity for Jesus demonstrate His power and authority. Miracles helped to support Jesus’ claim to Deity (John 10:37,38; John 14:11). Miracles were, also, expressions of Jesus’ compassion towards hurting people (Matthew 14:14). Miracles even helped to bolster faith (Luke 7:22).
However, woven into every miraculous act Jesus performed was also a message. A message about the character of God, but also how we should perceive and live life based on the revelation of His character.
As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”- Mark 4:35. This wasn’t a suggestion but a directive. However, soon a fierce storm arose, high waves were breaking into the boat and it began to fill with water.
Have you ever been stuck in a boat when a storm comes up suddenly on you? It is a horrible feeling and I am certain that the disciples were feeling the strain and stress of it. The skies were dark, the wind fierce, the waves high and intimidating, not to mention the boat filling with water coupled with the fear of drowning. Here is my question? Didn’t Jesus know? Wasn’t He aware of what was coming? I find it hard to believe that this storm caught Him of guard. Yet, how often do we talk to God in prayer and explain to Him the situations we find ourselves in, as though He is unaware of our circumstances.
Remember, He told them to go to the other side. It was His plan. It’s good to remember that Jesus’ plan and purpose is never thwarted by the world’s adverse conditions. In fact, Jesus’ entire disposition should give us pause and great comfort:
“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
Jesus’ response to the chaos around Him was not fear, apprehension, or concern. He was not troubled or panicked by the trouble that seemed to be surrounding them. He was experiencing everything they were experiencing, however His response was to not to worry, but to rest. I am wondering if that is a word of encouragement for somebody reading this today. Jesus is with you! He is experiencing with you everything you are experiencing, but rather than worry about it, you need to follow His lead and rest.
Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church
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