Today's Scripture Reflection
Mark Gottwald, Director of Student Ministry
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:37-40

This is a story many of us know well, but recently it keeps coming to my mind. Jesus had finished teaching, and he and the rest of the disciples set out in boats across the Sea of Galilee. A fierce squall comes, so the terrified disciples wake up Jesus. Jesus simply tells the waves and wind to be still, and they obey Him. The storm is gone.

Sometimes when we hear familiar miracles, we look straight to the side of Jesus that is fully God. It’s natural because the things he performs are so out of this world. But what do we see when we keep in mind that Jesus was also fully human? We see a man with real faith.

The first mention of Jesus tells us that he was still asleep! Sleeping through a storm so fierce it made the disciples – many of whom were experience fishermen – fear for their lives. Because of his faith in God, Jesus was fully at peace despite the mayhem around him. The disciples mistook his peace for indifference; but the truth is, Jesus’s focus was elsewhere.

Look at how deep his faith is. Presented with a life or death situation, Jesus isn’t worried. He doesn’t focus on the size of the storm or the boat filling up with water. While the storm violently rocks the boat, Jesus is anchored by faith. He focuses on God, the one who created and reigns over the wind and the waves. He doesn’t fear, because he knows who is truly in control.

While the wind and the waves may not listen to our commands, Jesus makes it clear how we should react to the storms that rise up in our lives. He tells the disciples that, even when the stakes are high, they don’t need to be afraid. They only need to have faith in God. Jesus is telling us that we too can have a faith that fierce, and trust that God is with us and in control.

Let’s not forget the conclusion that the disciples came to: “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” That’s the God who is with us every day! Let’s act like it. When we encounter storms and wonder where to turn, let’s remember whom the wind and waves obey, and turn to Jesus.

God bless you!
Mark
An Image to Inspire
Let Us Pray
From Psalm 107
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper and quieted the waves of the sea. Then were they glad because of the calm, and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for.
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