The “Perfect One” For The Storm
One of the existential threats that many nations around the world are struggling with is how to address climate change. The fires are more frequent and intense. The earthquakes are more destructive. The storms, hurricanes and tornadoes are more powerful and frightening. In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus' disciples were caught in a surprisingly intense storm that came out of nowhere. One might have called it the “Perfect Storm”. The disciples reaction in that storm is reflective of how many of us react to life's unexpected challenges. But when you have God with you in your storm, you have the “Perfect One” for the storm. And you can act with faith, not fear, even in the midst of the storm. My prayer is that God will strengthen your faith in Him to deal with all of your storms.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. (Matt. 8:23-24) The scripture makes it clear that well before the storm started, Jesus was in the boat with His disciples. It is also clear that this was no ordinary storm that they encountered on the sea of Galilee. The text says the storm was furious. However the text also says "But Jesus was sleeping". Jesus exudes peace in the midst of the storm. He is unmoved and unshakeable by the events swirling around Him. The size, intensity and/or timing of your storm does not cause God to become anxious or lose any sleep. He is with you and He is your source for peace in the storm.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matt. 8:25-26) The fear that the disciples had was real. They were experienced fisherman who were used to being on the water and navigating through storms. But this was no ordinary storm and the disciples truly feared that this storm would overwhelm them and drown them. So they went to Jesus in fear. Jesus admonished them because they didn't come to Him in faith. The text says that Jesus then rebuked (official reprimand by someone with authority) the winds and the waves. Jesus, in that moment, demonstrated to His disciples that He has authority over everything including nature, as both the wind and the waves were immediately calm. When we trust in God, we learn to react in faith (not fear) to our storms. "Don't tell God about your giants, tell your giants about your God!"
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matt. 8:27) It's interesting that even though these men had been with Jesus and seen all the miraculous things He had done, the text says that they were "amazed" that even nature was obedient to Him and recognized His authority. It speaks to how close in proximity we can be to God and witness to the miraculous things He has done for us and others, yet still not understand or trust who God is and what He has the power to do. Our problem is that our prayers are too small and our faith is too little! God wants you to trust Him and let Him amaze you!
In a series of stories in Matthew (including those that precede and follow this scripture text) Jesus demonstrates His authority over disease, healing, nature, demonic spirits and all else that we might wrestle with. The disciples in the boat, facing the storm of their lives were amazed at Jesus' power and authority. They asked the question "what kind of man is this". The bible provides us with the answer. Jesus is fully man, with the compassion to love and care about our deepest issues. And He is fully God with the power and authority to address and change any condition or circumstance in our lives. He wants you to have the faith to trust Him fully in every aspect of your life. And when you do that, you no longer have to live life fearful of what you're going through or what may come next...you can live your life in faith, knowing that He is more than able to handle your storms!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
