Jesus had spent a day teaching and then time explaining and giving more parables to His disciples. (Mark 4:1-34) When evening came, urging the disciples to cross to the other side, they left the others and got into the boat. (Mark 4:35-36) We then read. . .
“(37) And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. (38) But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (39) And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (41) And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”” (Mark 4:37-41 ESV)
There are two things Jesus’ sleeping reveals to us. One, He was tired from the interaction of the day. As a preacher I have some idea of the expenditure of energy in teaching and the delivery of lessons and then the difficulty of shutting my mind down when going to bed in the evening. Being tired, the sleep naturally came upon Jesus.
Secondly, Jesus was not concerned about the storm, but continued to sleep despite its presence. At least four of the disciples — having been fishermen — were familiar with and most likely had a healthy respect for storms and their power. In fear, they awoke the One Who had no fear!
“Who then is this. . . ?”, they asked. They were continuing to follow Jesus because of Whom they understood Him to be. However, as they continued with Him, they began to understand even more about Jesus and the power that was His. As He could bring calm to the tempestuous waters, they would grow in their faith in knowing His ability to calm spiritual storms they would endure and thus, by His peace (John 14:27), calm the fears within.
To know Jesus has such power over that aspect of the creation, is that power being allowed to calm the storms of anxiety and doubt within us?
Among the psalms we read. . .
“ (11) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11 ESV) [also in 42:5 & 43:5]
Let our Lord’s words, “Peace! Be Still!” speak to our soul. Understanding storms around us will arise, may our faith in Him be evident as we allow His peace to bring calm within us!
Have a great day KNOWING THE PEACE OF STEADFAST HOPE IN THE LORD!
Carl
