Even the Wind & Waves Obey

A real storm came up for the disciples. It was a furious squall with gigantic waves that were filling the boat. The Sea of Galilee is 628 feet below sea level and is surrounded by mountains with deep ravines. The gorges serve as giant funnels creating strong winds on the lake without any notice. The disciples despite the fact that many of them were experienced sailors were fearful of drowning. Mark says, Jesus was sleeping in the stern during the storm. They awoke him and let their fear be known: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:37-38).

What is remarkable is that while the disciples were worried for their lives and the boat was being tossed on the waves Jesus was fast asleep on the hard floor of the boat. How exhausted he must have been. What a contrast, here is the Jesus asleep in a weary human body but in a few moments we would rebuke the waves and winds.

The disciples made a mistake that we often make. They felt alone. They felt that Jesus would not help them. We sometimes feel we are alone and that we are going through the storm by ourselves. We mistakenly believe that no one knows what we are going through or how we feel. Nothing could be further from the truth. God knows everything about us and every storm that comes our way.

When we have God in the boat we will be secure. They had everything they needed but they forgot the most important thing they needed to know. Jesus was onboard. Mark continues:
“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm (Mark 4:38-39).

Imagine the scene as the disciples frantically wake up Jesus and tell him they are about to drown and question whether he even cares. Then Jesus took over. He said “Hush” to the wind and the waves. Jesus muzzled the wind and told the waves to be still and both obeyed him. Can you imagine the reaction of the disciples in seeing this? He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:40-41).

The disciples never forgot this moment and their faith grew because of it. They were still figuring out who Jesus was but their faith took a giant leap that day as they saw Jesus speak to the wind and the waves and they obeyed him. There are lessons for us to learn from this story. He does have power over the elements but he also sends us into the storms to test our faith.