Saturday October 10, 2020

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:35-41

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

Reflection: One evening, after teaching a crowd on the seashore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus directs the disciples to cross the sea by boat with Him. Following Jesus’ instruction, the disciples head across the sea. But in the middle of their journey, a storm rises up and causes wave upon wave to crash onto the boat. Jesus is fast asleep in the bottom of boat while the storm rages. In a panic, the disciples wake Jesus, who promptly rebukes the wind and the waves. Jesus is not disturbed by the powerful waves that almost engulf the boat, but He is bothered by the disciples’ fear. “Do you still have no faith,” he questions them.

This story is interesting in that the disciples find themselves in a storm because of their obedience to Jesus. Because they choose to take His instruction without question, they find themselves caught in the fierce wind and waves. Here, they cry out to Jesus, questioning why He is not attending to their needs. Since some of the disciples were fishermen, they would have also been experienced sailors who were used to maneuvering through Galilee’s turbulent seas. But this time, the storm is so fierce that they are desperate for help, and are upset that Jesus is sleeping during their time of trouble. “Teacher,” they say, “Don’t you care if we drown?”

But in this very place of perceived danger, Jesus reveals more about Himself that not only brings the disciples safety, but also offers them assurance. He quiets the wind and the waves, showing that He has power and authority over the natural world. In their obedience to Jesus, the disciples are exposed to difficult circumstances. But in the midst of these circumstances, they are also exposed to a deeper revelation of Jesus as God. They see proof of His Divine Nature, which gives them even more reason to trust in His ability to preserve them.

When Jesus directs us into unchartered waters, He asks us to act in faith. While His Way does not guarantee us comfort, it does guarantee experiencing a deeper understanding of Who He is, and an opportunity to grow in faith in Him. Moreover, though He may lead us into storms, His very Presence guarantees our ultimate preservation. Our eternal preservation.

Is there a place of uncertainty where you have arrived as a result of obedience to Jesus? Take courage and do not fear. The Lord and Savior Who leads you has the power and authority to calm the wind and the waves. Let His very Presence be your guide and assurance. Let Him take you to new levels of faith by giving you greater understanding of Who He is, and showing you more reasons why You can put Your faith in Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have Power and Authority over all Creation. You lead me to places of growth and fruitfulness for Your Glory. You are so good and gracious in patiently guiding me to new levels of faith in You. Thank You Lord. I pray Lord, that greater understanding of Who You are would result in my trusting You more in every situation. In all times of uncertainty, may the certainty of Your Presence with me grant unending joy and peace. Please bring me to a place of trusting You completely all the time. You are worthy of all my trust. In Your Holy Name I pray, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com: Mark 4:21-41; 2 Samuel 11-12; Daniel 6