In the Storm, He Got Up.

Did you know there are 12 (TWELVE !) documented types of storms? Each carry similar qualities, yet hold very unique elements. The list consists of ice, blizzard, snow, fire, dust, gale, wind, squall, (breathe) thunder, cyclone, hail and tornado. One thing is sure regarding a storm, we are not in control. All we can do is head for shelter and hang on!

Storms, the storms of life, metaphorically speaking, they can either make us or break us. I asked the Lord to show me the storm, then thought. “WAIT! Let me put some towels down first!” I have an amazing imagination. The disciples experienced a dandy of a storm. Mark chapter 4. In this story Jesus gathers the disciples and tells them “Let us go over to the other side.” (v. 35) Simple statement, so in the boat they go on the Sea of Galilee. Seemingly a normal journey across, but the narrative says, a furious squall arose. In Matthews account of this story he writes: “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.” (8:24) A furious storm, the word he chooses to use is ‘seismos’, which literally means, ‘a shaking.’ It is the word we use to describe an earthquake of ‘seismic’ proportions. The violence of the storm shook the water in the lake creating waves that covered the boat and started filling it with water. A shaking. The disciples were … terrified. Recognize the reaction to the elements swirling around? Insecurity. Fear. PANIC!

The disciples on board, of these Peter, Andrew, James and John were all fishermen, seasoned men of the sea. These men knew how to handle a boat. Nevertheless, they too were afraid. One might say ‘even the pros get tossed to and fro.’ There is sad comfort in that, no one is exempt from the storms. No matter how well-educated, wealthy, attractive, experienced, even prepared, there WILL be moments the elements arise.

Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat. He wasn’t concerned of the danger out on the water, He could simply walk home (smile). The disciples cry out to Him, being rather worked up, basically saying, “We’re goin to DIE!” He stood up. “Quiet! Be still! I find it interesting that the wind and waves knew He was talking to them (and not the disciples) When He stood, He spoke and the storm calmed. It not only calmed but the forces of nature OBEYED Jesus. Here’s another interesting note, it says “There were also other boats with him.” (Mk 4:36) They weren’t alone out there! As the disciples cry out for Jesus, and He calms the sea, the sea calmed for the others as well. Our crying out to Jesus, and He working on our behalf DOES affect those around us!

Remember Jesus’ words of invitation, “Let us go over to the other side.” The other side. He would not have pointed to the other side if they were meant to DIE in the middle of the sea, in the middle of the journey. He says, “Let us go…” We are never meant to be in the storm alone. Jesus, in the boat, in the storm WITH them, with us to the other side.

When the calmness settled in, Jesus says to the disciples, “Why are you so afraid, do you still have no faith?” Oswald Chambers said: “What line of thinking do my thoughts take? Do I turn to what God says or to my own fears?” Moses writes “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6, Heb. 13:5 emphasis mine)

“He got up.” I love this. I want, NEED Jesus to arise in my boat, in the midst of MY storm. How about YOU? Do you have some shaking going on, is your life being swamped over by the elements swirling around you? Do you fear you will sink? When I pray for something serious, serious in the sense that this isn’t just a Goodnight prayer, or the prayer prior to a meal, I pray God stands up. He speaks! May you too say… in my boat,  He stands, He speaks and the storm is calmed. (In Jesus name!)

BEWARE note: Immediately following the sea session, they come ashore and what do they now encounter? A demoniac man! Keep your eyes open folks!

He got up.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)