Lessons of the storm-He speaks

 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ~Mark 4:39

In Mark 4;35-41 it tells us of a time when the disciples were going to the other side as Jesus suggested.  So they got in their boats leaving the crowds behind.  The passage notes that their were other boats with them, but Jesus was in their boat. (Mark 4:35-36).  

While they were going to the other side a squall arose and it caused the waves to brake over the boat  so that it was nearly swamped (Mark 4:37).  A squall is defined as a sudden gust of violent wind or localized storm.  Life is like that some times.  You are going your merry way, humming to a song on the radio and then bam a storm pops up out the blue.  The sky is suddenly dark and you are fighting to keep your car on the road as you head to your next destination.  

Where was Jesus when this storm arose?  The bible says he was asleep at in the stern of the boat. He was at the back of the boat and the disciples had to wake him.  The disciples said "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38)  Isn't that like us sometimes.  We find ourselves in the midst of a storm and looks like it's going to take us down.  We wonder if Jesus cares and we cry out to Him.

Here is a truth.  He does care and and He has the power to quiet any and every storm.  Our key verse says  that He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" and they obeyed  It was completely calm. (Mark 4:39)  Jesus only has to speak and peace is ushered in. 

In verse 40 we Jesus ask the disciples a question. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”(verse 40) This calls for some self reflection because remember, Jesus was in the boat.  Jesus is the car.  Jesus is on our jobs.  Jesus is in our homes.  If Jesus is there we need not fear.  We can trust that we will make it to other side safely.  

The bible tells us in verse 41 that the disciples were terrified and asked each other “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”  They had heard his teaching and even followed Him, but didn't know who He was

Maybe the storm arose to assure us of this fact.  To assure us of who He is.  Jesus is not just our teacher, but He is Lord.  Lord over heaven and earth.  We just have to have faith.  We are human and we falter, but He does not.  We have to trust Who we have with us and in us.  So when the storms arise we can trust that God can speak into that situation and bring us peace and safety.

Lord, thank You for the storms that drive us to know You in an intimate way.  Thank You for increasing our faith and speaking peace into our lives.  Thank You for being sovereign.  In Jesus name. Amen