You know that story where Jesus calms the storm and saves the disciples from drowning?
Are you sure? Because that’s not really what happens.
Here’s what Matthew 8:23-27 says:
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.
And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”
And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
So my question: Did Jesus really save the disciplines from the storm?
No, he didn’t. Because they were always safe.
Let’s review the sequence of events:
- Storm (oh no!)
- Wake up Jesus.
- Jesus rebukes the disciples for their fear and lack of faith
- Jesus calms the storm.
Notice that Jesus rebukes the disciples for their fear, THEN he calms the storm. He doesn’t rebuke them for not calming it themselves. He doesn’t fix it and then rebuke them. He rebukes them for being afraid before addressing the issue.
That fear exposed their lack of faith.
Jesus is the Christ, and the disciples knew that! Did they really think the story was going to end with Jesus drowning in the sea?
As for their own safety, if they really knew who Jesus was, would they have any fear for themselves? They’re in a boat with GOD!
At that moment, in the middle of that terrible storm, they were in the safest place on the planet!
And those are the same questions that face each one of us.
If we know who God is…
And if we know who we are in Christ…
What exactly are we concerned about?
Really, what are we afraid of? What am I afraid of?
When I experience trepidation (and I do!), it’s because my answer to one of those questions is shaky. I’ve either forgotten who God is or who I am in God.
In those moments, it’s my job to tell myself the truth.
This doesn’t mean that hard things won’t happen (that storm sounds awful!). In fact, the Bible teaches that we will face trials and persecutions.
Can we count on God to move mightily on our behalf and calm the storms? We can! He will!
But the disciples weren’t saved because Jesus calmed the storm.
The disciples were saved because they were always safe. They were safe because they were with Jesus.
Jesus solved their fear and their comfort by calming the storm. He had already solved their safety by BEING GOD.
Do you know who God is?
Do you know who you are in Christ?
Then, in the words of Graham Cooke, “stop it, just stop it.”
Stop being afraid. And for the love of God (literally), stay in the boat!
Storms are uncomfortable. But you’ll be fine. The worst thing that can happen to you today is to arrive in Glory. Can you trust Jesus with that?
And if you don’t know who God is…and if you don’t know who you are in Christ, then today is the day. Repent and turn to Him.
Grab on to Him. Stay as close as you can and never let go.
It’s worth it. And the safest place in the world is in the boat.
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I like it!
My pastor actually preached this a few weeks ago. The Greek word that gets translated as “storm” could also be fairly accurately translated as “tornado.” And these weren’t hobby fishermen. They knew when they were out-matched.
And Jesus still rebuked them for their lack of faith.
Goes to show no matter how scary it gets, God is still faithful.
That’s really true! These guys were likely no cowards when it came to a little choppy water, but still Jesus rebuked them for their fear.
Oh, that’s cool!
I love this (also that you quote Graham Cooke in that little bit there). Such a powerful thing: GOD is the safety! Amen! Thank you!
Graham Cooke is great. And the British accent just makes the medicine go down easier, doesn’t it? 🙂 I’m glad to hear that this blessed you!