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by Sandy Shaw
Have you noticed that in each section of Mark’s Gospel, Mark reveals a little more about Jesus – His power – His purpose – His self understanding of who He is.
We said it was a story – and more than a story – but Mark is an expert story teller – but at the same time Mark is a faithful reporter.
The Sea of Galilee is some 700 feet below Sea Level. This is the lowest place on the face of the earth.
The cold air from the mountains falls down upon the warm waters and there are thunderstorms and squalls.
Fishermen were used to the climatic conditions – they would know otherwise – but this storm must have been different – more fierce – more violent. These experienced fishermen thought they were going to die.
Jesus was asleep. The Son of God – the Son of Man – was asleep.
“Teacher – don’t You care if we drown?”
Jesus first words are a command of utter simplicity. “Quiet! Be Still!”
You could use such words to an unruly child.
You could use such words to a dog jumping up on you. “Down! Stay down!”
There was a complete calm!
Now each time I have seen that Lake there have been minor ripples and splashing. On this occasion, when Jesus told the winds and waves to get down, there are no waves and splashes at all.
None of us can control the weather – Jesus can!
Jesus did not call upon some higher authority – He simply spoke a word!
Back in Mark Chapter 2 verse 28 – when Jesus was with the Pharisees He spoke of being Lord of the Sabbath.
Do you see the significance? Jesus does not just have power – Jesus is power itself.
This is a mighty claim, but have we not found that to be true over the years?
We have entered the greatest storm of our lifetime. We must not become overwhelmed by everything that is going on in the world – involved – concerned – deeply interested – yes – but not overwhelmed.
No matter what shape the world is in – no matter how serious this mess is becoming – Jesus is Lord.
Jesus provides – healing – rest – power – and life – in these Chapters.
Before Jesus calms the storm the disciples are afraid – after Jesus calms the storm they become terrified.
The boat had been nearly swamped. Water had endangered the security of that boat.
“Don’t you care if we drown?”
Does this picture not go right to our hearts? Have we not been near there – if not exactly there?
Everything is going wrong – not just appearing to go wrong!
You feel you are sinking – and God seems to be asleep – absent – unaware of what is happening to us – not even caring about us.
If You care – why do You let disciples go through such deadly peril?
“Why are You so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
I do allow people I care about and love to go through storms.
There are times and occasions when we too should know better – there is no reason to panic.
Nature can be violent – and overwhelming – it is for certain people – during earthquakes – life can be violent – those who have lost their life for the faith In Jesus Christ – those Pakistani disciples and those in jails in various nations simply because they believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
There are things happening which we do not understand – there are things happening which are not according to our plans. They do not make sense – to us.
Their premise was – their assumption was – if Jesus cares for us and loves us He will not let bad things happen to us.
These disciples were angry at Jesus – angry at God – and God does not mind. That is how big and caring God is.
“When we kick God in the teeth – the only thing He is concerned about is if we have hurt our toe.”
Richard Wurmbrand was 14 years in a Romanian prison – a harsh cruel prison.
“Do you still have no faith” – it can be translated – “where is your faith?”
What is Jesus saying? The critical factor in your faith is not its strength but its object.
Faith is a gift. Jesus gives us the gift of faith. Jesus is the source of our faith. Yes, we can feed it and exercise it and use it and strengthen it – but Jesus gives us the initial gift.
He is the author of faith – the provider of faith – the object of faith.
This is similar to what happened to Jonah.
Jesus and Jonah were in boats. Both were overtaken by a storm.
Jesus and Jonah were asleep.
The sailors woke up the sleepers, who said we are going to die, and in both cases there is miraculous divine intervention, and the sea was calmed.
The sailors became even more terrified.
Jonah said – there is only one thing to do – and Jonah is saying, if I perish you survive – if I die you will live.
One greater than Jonah is here – one day I am going to calm all storms – and still all waves – I am going to destroy destruction – and break brokenness – and kill death.
When Jesus went to the Cross – did life not try to throw him overboard?
If I perish – if I die – you will live.
Jesus faced the ultimate storm – storm against the source of sin.
He bowed His head hanging from that tree – we can never again say – “Do you not care?”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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