My message at The Way last Sunday was one of my favorite stories in the lives of the disciples – the calming of the storm in Mark 4:35-41. If you have a moment, grab your Bible and read those few short verses. There are so many lessons contained therein for us.
Jesus had been teaching all day. The crowds were so great and pressing upon Him that He had gotten into a boat and had it pushed a small distance from shore. It seems to have been a grueling session since later than night He told His disciples to take the boat to the other side of the lake (the Sea of Galilee). While they sailed, He went to the stern of the boat and fell asleep on a pillow.
He must have been exhausted as he did not awaken even when the storm came and intensified. His disciples were wide awake, however, during what Mark describes as a “squall,” literally a “hurricane of wind.” They were trying to keep their boat afloat and be obedient to what Jesus had commanded them – to go over to the other side.
I have met (and shepherded) some who think that if you are experiencing a trial, it is because you are in disobedience to the LORD. Their “proof” is always the example of Jonah who disobeyed, ended up in a storm and then a fish before finally being obedient.
But these disciples were obedient. Jesus said, “Let us go over to the other side,” and that is exactly what they were trying to do. [vs 35 NIV]
Sometimes we might find ourselves in a storm even though we are in perfect obedience to the will of God. Thankfully, when that happens, Jesus is in the storm with us!
Tomorrow – the fearful disciples awaken Jesus and learn a lesson about fear and faith.
