'Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.' (Matthew 8:24)
It is a profound experience reading these chapters narrating Jesus' ministry in and around Capernaum and Galilee. Earlier this year I visited this region, saw the well-preserved ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus was based for much of his earthly ministry, and walked the shores of the lake. Amongst many vivid memories from my visit was the realization just how localized Jesus' ministry was. Much of it occurred within a 10 or so kilometer radius of his home base.
I also had the opportunity to travel by boat from one side of the Sea of Galilee to the other - about ten kilometers. It was easy to imagine a storm rolling off the surrounding hills and terrifying the disciples. They were stunned that as the waves threatened to swamp them Jesus remained asleep in the back of the boat. At Hillsong conference this year a number of a us heard a great message from Judah Smith. He commented on this passage by saying that the disciples were in awe of the storm around them (who would not be!) But in the back of the boat asleep was the one they should truly have been in awe of.
In life we will face storms - medical, financial, relational and so on. The question is not whether we will face storms, but what we will do in the midst of them. It is easy and understandable to be overwhelmed by our circumstances - to be 'in awe' of them. But with us is One who will never leave and who can calm the wind and the waves that threaten to overwhelm us.
Comments