“One day Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ He asked His disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him.” (Luke 8:22-25)
This is the fourth Sabbath observance on our walk through this lenten time of remembrance. Sabbath is a time to rest and to experience the peace of God that comes as a result of His sacrifice. The Scripture above is a great meditation for today as we see Jesus calming the storm. He has certainly come to give us peace in the storms of this world. Isaiah called the Messiah the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). When the angels announced His birth to the shepherds they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14).
The disciples knew this about Jesus but when it came to the practical application to their lives there seemed to be a disconnect. For many of us this can be true. It’s not a matter of not knowing who God is. We know that He is The Prince of Peace and our Refuge and Strength. But when the storms of life come down upon our personal boat…we panic. In our story Jesus did not seem to concerned with the situation. In fact, the Scripture tells us that He was sleeping. He is the model of “peace” in the midst of the storm. Once awakened by the stressed out disciples, Jesus calms the storm but, He was calm before that. We should remember that every physical miracle that Jesus did revealed a deeper spiritual truth. The calming of the sea was a revelation of what He already does in our spirits…He brings peace in the midst of the storm. What He is saying to the disciples is the same thing that He said to Joshua and David, “Do not fear, I am with you!”
After the sea calmed the disciples recognized that Jesus was the One who comes with the authority to bring peace! If Jesus is in the boat of your life…you’re going to be ok. Do you think these guys ever looked at a storm the same way again. I’m willing to bet that the fear factor was significantly less. Why? Because they had seen it. But, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and still believe!” (John 20:29).
Most of you have storms in your life right now or, at least, you can see something on the horizon. Know this today, Jesus comes to give you peace amidst the storm. The winds may still be blowing and your world may still be rocking but the Prince of Peace who has authority over all these things can calm your fear. The question is…do you have Jesus in your boat?