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by Sandy Shaw
We come to Matthew Chapter 8 and verses 23 to 34, where we read of Jesus and His disciples sailing across the Lake of Galilee, and Jesus, the Son of God falls asleep in the boat.
Jesus is tired. He has been preaching and teaching and answering questions.
He is physically exhausted - worn out - drained - and in need of a rest.
He is human. He is a Man. This is all He needs - rest.
So often a good rest, and a good sleep, is all we may need.
He is such an integrated man – such a whole man – and so balanced.
Did He know what was going to happen? Did He not know what was about to happen? This is a very human story. Jesus fell asleep in the boat.
As Jesus lies there asleep, a storm arises, and the boat is being thrown around, and there is a possibility of their boat sinking! Is there?
He is asleep, defying the elements.
We saw a storm on the Lake, about 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning. Where we had been swimming 12 hours previously was now like a boiling cauldron, as the cool air drifts through one of the valleys and falls onto the warm water. It suddenly becomes very rough – and it is like putting your hand into a basin of water and chucking the water up and down. It is noisy, and boats can be swamped or dashed against the rocks.
This is the situation these disciples are in, and JESUS is asleep. Water would be coming into the boat.
These fishermen knew the danger they were in. This is a crisis.
The whole future of the work of God was lying in this little fishing boat - ASLEEP! Did Satan think this was his chance?
But God the Father neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Master and men - Lord and disciples - if it could be wiped out now, what a victory for the enemy! Apply that to what Jesus is saying to us in these present days, when we can so easily think that all is going to be lost. No - that will never happen.
Why can we be so absolutely certain? Because it says so in the Word!
The disciples wake Jesus and tell Him of the danger. If only they realised the real danger they were in - much more serious than a band of men drowning - the enemy was attempting to destroy the work of Almighty God.
The enemy does this – to discourage - depress - demoralise – attempting to destroy.
Remember what had been happening. The Kingdom was appearing, and there was a clash of kingdoms - a conflict - and that can happen today too.
Different values - priorities - clash and conflict. We see that in the sowing of the seed, and pressures from family. The kingdom of darkness clashes with the kingdom of light. Now that is violent, and can involve violence.
One kingdom has to win, and gain victory. One kingdom has to overcome the other.
We face this type of thing today. Things come into our lives - situations arise - we feel demoralised – discouraged, and occasionally we feel defeated.
We can even think that within the hour we might be destroyed. This is why we must never rely totally upon our subjective flimsy feelings, but remain with the facts.
At such times stay with JESUS in the boat - in the Book - in the boat and in the Book.
You remain safe there - maybe a little insecure with questions - but nevertheless safe!
They roused Him. Was it for His sake, or theirs? Have you ever thought of that?
It was impossible for that ship to sink as long as Jesus Christ was in it!
Have they temporarily forgotten who He is, if they really knew who He is?
Jesus, realising fully what was happening, rebuked the wind and the raging water, and these powerful forces obeyed the even more powerful voice of the Creator, and a CALM descended upon the situation.
This was a blatant Satanic attack, otherwise He would not have rebuked the waves. Could they not have left Him alone to benefit from His sleep?
That boat was more unsinkable than the most modern lifeboat!
Jesus has not promised us a smooth voyage, but He does promise to be with us.
He then asks His disciples, "Where is your faith?" And sometimes, we too need to be asked that, especially if we are demoralised or in danger.
Before you have faith for others – before you have faith for ministry and service – you must have faith for yourselves.
These 12 men get another glimpse into the character and power and authority and control of this mighty Lord, Who can even command the winds and the waters.
Do you know who the Lord is when you are in the middle of your storms?
This is the One who had called them. This is the same One who has called us.
On they go to complete their journey across the lake.
No wonder the devil did not want Jesus and His men to sail safely across the Lake on this occasion!
What a sight greeted Jesus and these disciples. Two men came to Him - naked - possessed and controlled by evil spirits - demons - and Jesus deals with this.
No wonder there was a storm on the Lake. When storms arise it can be helpful to ask why. Why is this happening at this time? What is the reason for this? There is usually an answer.
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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