Able and Willing
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“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Jesus - do you see me?
Jesus - will you help me?
Have you ever echoed these words?
When we face a storm - an illness, a job loss, a divorce, the death of a loved one, mental illness, war - it is natural to be overwhelmed. The wind and waves are too much for us. As Christians we have been told that our God is all powerful. Most of us believe God is able to calm the storm, but we may struggle to believe He is willing.
So when the disciples wake Jesus up and ask him, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” I think it stings the heart of our Savior. He cares. He cares more deeply than we could ever imagine. And He shows the depth of His care in His words and actions.
Jesus doesn’t rebuke the disciples for their doubt initially. Jesus directs His attention to the thing that threatens them - “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Our Savior is still doing this today. Can you hear His words to the things that threaten you? Peace! Be still!
“And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Not just a calm, but a great calm. It sounds similar to a “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Then only after Jesus has proven He cares and calmed the storm does He ask His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Then they were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Who is this who cares about us? Who is this who is not only able, but also willing to rescue and save and heal and help us? Who is this who went to the Cross and died in our place? Who is this who rose from the dead and promises us even death will not separate us from Him? Who is this who even now lives to pray for us?
He is Jesus! And when it feels like He is sleeping don’t hesitate to “wake Him up.” He cares for you. When He feels far away, call on Him. He is in the “boat” of your life and He is still in the business of calming storms.
See you Sunday,
Steven