Mark 4:39-41 (NIV®)
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
In the first century, it was very common for the pagans to worship the wind and water and the sun and stars. Jesus and His disciples were on a lake when a violent storm blew up. The disciples were afraid they were going to drown. So they woke Jesus up. He calmed the wind and waves, then questioned their faith. We assume that Jesus’ work in our lives will be calm and familiar, perhaps in the context of a small group or worship service. In this case, Jesus stretched the disciples’ imaginations to the point that they were terrified, even as they were experiencing a miracle. Following God and learning about His power and authority may take you to some places that are not familiar and perhaps some places that are uncomfortable or even terrifying. No matter the circumstance, we can rest in His great love for us and His plan for our lives.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You that the world is Yours and under Your authority. How great is Your command that even the wind and the waves obey You! I confess that even as I shake my head at the disciples’ unbelief, I imagine that I would have been as terrified as any of them. Help me to trust in You when I am doubting and afraid. In Jesus’ name, amen.
