He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (NIV) Matthew 8:26
It has been storming all day today and even now as I write this. We’re feeling the effects from Gustav as it heads toward the Gulf Coast. Storms are common here in Sarasota, Florida. During summer months we often have late afternoon thunderstorms. The sky darkens, the thunder rumbles, the wind starts to whirl, the waves start to churn, visibility decreases and before you know it, the rain is coming down in sheets.
As it rains, I’m reminded of another storm on the Sea of Galilee. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat (Matthew 8:24). The disciples went and woke Jesus who was asleep. They were fearing for their lives, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
(Matthew 8:25-27)
Jesus, so strong and so powerful that He stood up, rebuked the winds and stopped the storm. All power belongs to Christ. And yet, how often do I wonder if He can calm of the storms of my life?
The rain I heard when I started to write this is getting stronger; the winds are blowing and I hear thunder. Now picture that storm stopping dead in its tracks with the command from Jesus. One word from Him and the winds stop. There is no lightning, no thunder, no rain, no high seas, just calm.
This is the Jesus who calls us into relationship with Himself. He and He alone can bring calm in the midst of a storm. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to sit in His presence for awhile and enjoy the peace that only He can bring.
