“He got up, rebuked be wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” (Mark 4:39).
Jesus was tired. He had been constantly preaching, teaching, and healing, for days on end. People weren’t giving Him a break, but He needed take one. Besides dealing with the needs of those who sought Him sincerely, He had to do battle with the constant criticism of the Pharisees. How ironic for Him to need to find a place to rest not on land but on the lake! There were few places where He could “hide away” for a while. Some even followed Him in their boats!
The lake was calm, so He quickly fell asleep. But soon a storm rose up. Jesus was sleeping so soundly that neither the rough waves nor the howling winds awoke Him.
As we so often do, the disciples did everything they could on their own, before turning to the Master. They had even forgotten that He was on board with them! They finally did turn to Him somewhat angrily and confused. Did He not care that they were all about to drown? They called loudly to Him, and perhaps not just because of the roar of the wind and the sea. Sometimes, it seems like we also dare to reprimand God and question His actions, as though we knew what was best.
“Their cry arouses Jesus. As the lightning’s glare reveals Him, they see the peace of heaven in His face; they read in His glance self-forgetful tender love, and, their hearts turning to Him, cry, ‘Lord, save us: we perish.’ Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded” (The Desire of Ages, p 335).
How beautiful that even before He calmed the storm, Jesus calmed the hearts of His disciple with a simple look filled with love!
“Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best” (ibid, p 336).
Jesus trusted His Father, and with that trust and confidence He gave the authoritative order that echoes down to us today.
What is the “oar” that you are using today to futilely confront your storm? Remember: Jesus is on board.
