December 2, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8:23-27
OBSERVATIONS
1. Jesus seems quite harsh on the disciples, you of little faith! He does love them, so He probably said it in a gentle, not judging way. But who can blame them their fear of drowning. On the other hand, the picture of Jesus sleeping in the midst of a storm is intriguing a well. For Jesus, trusting in God meant He could be calm through whatever crisis or disaster He went through. We are more like the disciples in times of crisis… and what God does our panic do?
2. Jesus rebukes the storm and it stops. He does not prevent it from happening, He does not stop it when it starts, He only stops it to make a point to His disciples. This is not a power to be used at all times to manipulate life in His favor. If a could control the weather, would it ever rain on or vacations? He does this to strengthen their faith in God, so that when the next storm comes, they can rest and trust in God through it too.
3. Indeed, what kind of man is this. John tells us that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, through Whom all things were spoken into existence (John 1:1-4). Here He speaks a word, and the storm stops. And yet, Paul says that Jesus emptied Himself of His God power to become human (Philippians 2:5-11). So is this an example of something that the human Jesus was able to do because He was empowered by the Spirit? Is this an example of a ‘greater thing’ that we could do with the help of the Spirit when needed to accomplish God’s purpose (John 14:12)?
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
1. When under pressure, I am more like the disciples. I get worked up, I am afraid, I fear and imagine the worst. But it has been getting better. I am starting to see that stressing doesn’t help, in fact it makes me less effective in dealing with the stressers. I’ve been working on this, learning how to rest, be still, relax (ie breathe deep) and walk (not run) through the crisis. Remember, be still, and know that I am not God. He is, and I can rest secure in His love and purpose.
2. Someone once said, ‘we are absolutely immortal until God’s purpose is fulfilled for/through us.’ Jesus knew He could not die until He accomplished the work His Father had assigned for Him. The same is true for me. I will not die until my work is done, therefore I can rest through the storm. Do we live as if this is true? Whatever the situation, whatever the crisis, my job is to represent God and do His work. He will take care out me, and also of the results. Instead of panicing in the storm, witness in the storm (like Paul, Acts 27.13-26).
3. How do I know if/when God wants me to do something ‘greater’? Could I stop a storm if the situation required it for God’s glory and purpose (and not just for my reputation or convenience)? This story makes me think about or potential in God. What are we capable of if we live surrendered to Him, like Jesus did? If I trusted and rested in Him in the must of my storms and crisis, would I experience greater evidences of His power? Do we not see more of Gods power because we are too focused on the size and power of our crises, rather than on the size and power if our God?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, help me to trust You through the storm. Help me to relax, and look for Your presence and power. And give me a glimpse of what You can do in and through me, and how You can do more than I ask or imagine!
Panic
Is the opposite of faith doubt? In this story the opposite of faith is panic. So doubt and panic lie on one side of the equation, and faith and peace on the other side. I know where I would rather be. No one wants to be in a state of panic, and I understand why the disciples felt like they did. They were in a perilous situation, and death was a very real possibility in their circumstances. Having peace, or faith was the last thing on their minds. But there was hope, there is always hope. They could hope for the storm to subside, or for them to reach their destination, or… I am not sure what they expected Jesus to do for them. Maybe they wanted Jesus to calm them down, or help prepare them for death. Some of them were the experts on the water. They were the fishermen after all. Jesus had experience in carpentry, but I am not sure how those skills would help in this situation. They called out to Jesus to save them, as they were all about to drown.
Jesus rebuked the disciples, asking them why they were so afraid. I am kind of with the disciples on this one. I look around at my circumstances, and I panic. I fear for the worst. After all, were there fears unfounded? Bad things can happen in a fierce storm. People die. Don’t be afraid?? I would have been terrified.
Jesus calmed the angry waters, and it became calm. The storm did not just subside, it became calm, showing the disciples that Jesus performed miracles by healing people, but also controlled the wind and the waves. Jesus intervened in the physical order of the moment, and changed things.
I pray that through the times of panic and terror, that I can remember that Jesus changes things. These are the times that I need to call on Jesus to save me, to get me through this time. I pray that God will give me peace in times of trouble, and that I can share his peace and love with those around me.
Observations:
The disciples followed Christ and when the storm arose, the disciples went to Christ. Save us!
Jesus calmed the storm.
The disciples stood amazed.
Application:
I walk with my risen Saviour each day, but where do I go in the storms of my life? Where do I ‘flee’ with my doubts and trials? Where do I go when I am down and out? He is the answer. He is in control. He is the solution. He is able to calm within and without for He is always present by His Spirit. There is no other solution. Take it all to the Lord in prayer. I need to walk and talk with God in my daily travels. God is here. Never fear.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for Your daily presence Lord. Help me with my walk with You this day.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.