An Unexpected Storm

Scripture

Mark 4:35-41

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 behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. ³⁷ A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. ³⁸ But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” ³⁹ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. ⁴⁰ He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” ⁴¹ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Devotion

Most of us have been surprised by a giant storm at some point.  The day started out pretty enough.  Then, out of nowhere, the sky darkened, the wind began to gust around us, and the heavens opened.  This is the situation the disciples face as they cross the Sea of Galilee in their tiny boat. 

The Sea of Galilee (which sits 646 ft below sea level) is well known for the violent storms that occur when winds sweep down from the Golan Heights and swirl around in lake's harp-shaped basin.  These windstorms develop quickly and cause large waves to race across the lake.   According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency,  in March of 1992, 60 mph winds along the sea caused 6 foot high waves to crash into shoreline restaurants and cafes.  Boats generally do not go out when the wind is high, but this video gives us just a taste of what a windstorm on the Sea of Galilee is like:

Caught in the middle of the sea during a violent windstorm and with little hope of getting to land, the disciples must have been terrified.  The whole boat was about to go under, and Jesus was sleeping through the entire thing.  Is it any wonder, then, that they shook him awake?  After all, they wouldn't even be in this position if they hadn't listened to his orders to cross over to the other shore.  Now he didn't even seem to care that they were all about to drown.

Christians down through the ages have found ourselves feeling like the disciples.  We try to follow Jesus's commands as best we can, and we set off in the direction he tells us to go.  But once we are out to sea, we find ourselves beset by terrible storms.  Even our most valiant efforts aren't going to be enough to save us, and Christ seems to be asleep at the wheel.  In those moments,generations of Christians have metaphorically shook Jesus awake through prayers of lament.  They have asked Christ if he cares about their situations, and begged for his help.  And Christ has answered them...not always in the way they wanted or expected, but in his own time and in ways that are right.  

Life is more than a little stormy right now.  Since February, over 100,000 Americans have died from a pandemic that none of us really expected...and more are dying every day.  This pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our lives, and its hard to find our bearings as its effects swirl around us.  At the same time, we are once again swamped by waves of political and social unrest resulting from centuries' worth of racial injustice.  Literal storms and floods are overtaking communities.  And that doesn't begin to cover all the storms we face in our individual lives.  The fear that comes with an upsetting health diagnosis; the daily burden of trying to make ends meet; the grief of losing someone we love.  And with all this going on, it's natural to fear that our little boats are about to vanish beneath the waves.

Once they turn to Jesus for help, the disciples quickly learn that they have nothing to fear.  Jesus calms the wind with a few short words.  As he does so, he shows them that the one they have chosen to follow is stronger than even the mightiest of storms.  That lesson applies to us as well.  Christ may not always take action as quickly we would like him to or do what we expect, but he will never leave us to our own devices.  Even as we call out to him in our fear and despair, we can trust that he will calm the storms that beset us.  When the wind stops howling and the waves cease, we find ourselves in awe of the power he has poured into our lives.

Whatever storms you are facing--however hard the wind may be blowing and however high the waves may be-- I hope you know that you are not alone.  Jesus is here.  He may seem to be asleep, but he is giving you  strength and support in ways you may not even be able to recognize right now.  Keep hold of your faith.  Keep to the course that Christ has set for you.  Most of all, keep asking Christ for help as you move through this time of troubles.  It may take a long time for it to arrive, but there will come a day when the wind calms and the waves still.  When that day comes, you will look upon the peaceful waters and stand in awe of what Christ has done for us. I hope to be there with you as Christ guides your boat to shore.

Unlike the disciples, who asked "Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him," we will know exactly who has guided us to shore.  His name is Jesus Christ.  He is the Son of God.  He has promised that when follow his ways and turn to him in our times of need, he will always be there to save us.  Who among us trusts Jesus enough to admit that we can't do this on our own, shake his shoulder and ask for help?

Prayer

Jesus, the tempest is indeed raging, and the billows are frighteningly large.  We beg you to rise up and calm the storms that surround us.  Keep and protect us, so that by your power, we may safely arrive on the shores of a better existence.  And when we get to that better place, may we praise your name, forevermore.  Amen.