Saturday, February 20, 2016

Saturday, February 20, 2016

"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let US go over to the other side.'" (Mark 4:35, emphasis added)

Jesus Calms A Storm.

I've often read this account and wondered, "How could the disciples get so scared?  Didn't they realize who was in the boat with them?"  It's easy to ask that question looking back on the situation almost 2,000 years later.  However, when I think about my life, the storms that have come my way, and how I have responded to them, I realize that I have acted much like the disciples in this account.  You see, they really didn't know who Jesus was, but they were learning.  I believe that we "are in the same boat" (no pun intended).  The best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them, not just read about them.  

"He [Jesus] appointed twelve that they might be with him." (Mark 3:14)

Jesus was a Master at spending time with people.  Notice, He doesn't SEND the disciples across the sea, but instead says to them, "Let US go over to the other side."  Jesus was not about to send His boys anywhere without equipping them first.  In this case, all the Equipment they needed was Him - just Jesus' presence was enough, a truth they didn't know until the storm came.  We learn a lot about ourselves and others when we go through storms, don't we?

The boat began to shake and the waves invaded the boat.  They cried out, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  Gripped with fear, they questioned the promise of Jesus - "Let US go to the other side."  They were still learning who He was.  Then, Jesus commanded the wind and the waves - "Quiet! Be still!" - and they obeyed His every word.  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Storms are a part of life, for better or for worse.  Jesus told His disciples, "In this world you shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  This is the truth.  However, right before Jesus ascended into heaven He said to the disciples, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  He Promised His Presence!  It's not just anybody who goes with us into our storms - It's Jesus, the One who can speak to the wind and waves and they obey Him.  He goes through every storm WITH US.  One of the truths that He constantly speaks to us is that His presence (the Holy Spirit) in our lives is more than enough.  Our job is live in that presence, to be in relationship with His Spirit, and listen to His guidance.

Lord, we know that you have many "other side" experiences for us, for you have given us the ministry of re-presenting you to those who aren't a part of the family yet.  There are people on the other side that you desire to love and lift out of the brokenness of their lives.  You are the Greatest Lover that we know!  Help us not to frantically run to you when our storms come.  Help us to be with you, resting on the pillow with you in the boat, confident in your power and authority over every gusty wind and every violent wave.  We love you, Jesus!  Amen.