The Sea of Galilee is only five miles wide and thirteen miles long, but it is known for its sudden storms. The sea is surrounded by mountains with deep ravines. These ravines bring the winds whirling down upon the lake without notice.
The miracle of Jesus calming the sea, as related by Luke in chapter 8, occurred at the end of a long day of ministry, and it was now time to rest. Jesus directed his disciples to sail to the other side of the lake, although they did not know that a storm was brewing. Jesus got in the boat and found a place in the stern of the boat, where he fell fast asleep. The disciples began the journey across the lake in the calm evening hours.
The storm that came to the boat carrying the disciples and Jesus was planned and sent by God. It was the instrument that God would use to teach the disciples a valuable lesson on faith and trust. Without difficulties, we would never grow to be what we should become. Storms are part of the process of spiritual growth both then and now.
Perhaps such a storm is raging in your life. You are in the middle of it now, and it feels like you are about to drown. We have all been there at some point. It may be a family problem, your business, a health problem, or a problem with a child. Whatever the trial, if you ask God to meet you in your distress, he can bring the calm and peace you need.
The disciples woke him, saying, “Jesus, we’re going to drown!” (Luke 8:24). They were afraid that all of them, including Jesus, would die. They thought that everything, even their hopes for the future, would go in an instant. The irony of the moment is shocking because, despite having been with Jesus for some time, witnessing numerous miracles, listening fervently to his teaching, and even seeing him raise the dead, they thought this was the end.
The storm did not wake Jesus, but his doubting disciples did. Jesus acted immediately: He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm” (Luke 8:24). The wind immediately stopped. It was a sudden calm. The sea was also calmed instantaneously. Then Jesus asked, “Where is your faith?”(Luke 8:25).
The question was a rebuke. Although their fear was natural and took over, they were embarrassed by their lack of faith. They had seen too much of his power, and they knew he was the Messiah. But in their fear, they had abandoned their faith. How like us. Fear comes, and all the reasons for trust evaporate, even though God has quelled many storms in our lives.
But now, as they rode the calm sea, their faith returned. So, “In fear and amazement, they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:25). What a moment! What an experience to see Jesus speak to the wind and the waves and watch them obey. This same Jesus is with us each day!
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