Daily Devotional Sunday 16th August 2020

by William Moody

Mark 4:35–41

Jesus Calms a Storm

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

(ESV)

Jesus is the one who tells the disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee in this boat (v35). The disciples were in this situation because they had followed Christ’s guidance. The storms of life will come our way even when we faithful to Jesus, and sometimes they come because we are being faithful to Christ.

This storm was fierce and we’re told that waves were breaking into the boat and it was already filling (v37) but Jesus was fast asleep (v38).

This was the big issue for them, did Jesus care or not? They were in a serious storm and Jesus appeared to be so inactive. Jesus challenges them about their faith (v40). God was testing their faith in regards to His love and care.

In the original Jesus spoke just two words (v39), and all became perfectly still, a ‘great calm’.  The impact on the disciples was devastating (v41). They were frightened because of the storm but are more frightened at Jesus’ power.

The storm revealed something more about Jesus. Through the storm the power of Christ became personal for the disciples. Jesus has challenged their lack of faith, but now gives the food to nourish their faith.

We need to take time to dwell on God’s truth about Himself. We need to think, pray, sing, discuss the great truths of God and of Jesus.

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46).

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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