Jesus Calms Storms

By Johnny Hester

     Read once again the familiar yet always thrilling account related in Mark 4:36-41 and allow the power Jesus manifested here to wash over and saturate your awareness:

“Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great wind-storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?’  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”

     Life’s sea through which we venture is often stormy and terrifying. We are frequently reminded by the calamities that come upon us of our personal inability to stay above the treacherous waves and to keep our fragile life-ships from capsizing.
     It is a wonderful comfort to know that Jesus has the power to bring calm in the midst of chaos. And He has the compassion to exercise His sovereignty over our world in such a way as to affect our rescue.
     Once you come to comprehend these glorious truths, it is then necessary to notice a vital detail from the story. These men “took Him [Jesus] along in the boat” (v. 36 ) — they with Him and He with them! Life is fraught with many perils. When these frightening storms come into your life, don’t you want Jesus in your boat?  Please understand: He must be invited!
     How does one invite Jesus to be your constant companion, Savior and Lord? In faith, obey His will. Receive His salvation by accepting His terms. Be compelled by your love for Him to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7).
     If I may assist you in obeying the gospel, it would be my delight to baptize you into Christ “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). If I may offer prayer on your behalf or render spiritual assistance in your walk with the Lord, please let me know. Or if I could help you find a faithful congregation in your area let me know. It would be an honor and a joy to help meet your spiritual needs.

- Johnny Hester preaches for the Matthews Church of Christ in Matthews, MO. He may be contacted at johnnyhester@yahoo.com