SCRIPTURE
On that day, when evening had come, He told them, "Let's cross over to the other side of the lake." So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was already in the boat. And other boats were with Him. A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?" He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?" And they were terrified and asked one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:35-41)
OBSERVATION
This is one of the places to use algebra (Who said you would never use it in real life?) to get a better understanding of Jesus. In Psalm 89:8-9 we read, "Lord of Hosts, who is strong like You, Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging sea; when its waves surge, You still them."
In Psalms, God stills the seas. (If a=b)
In Mark, Jesus stills the seas. (and b=c)
Therefore, Jesus is God. (then a=c)
Who then is this man? Mark didn't want his readers to miss the point: Jesus is God.
APPLICATION
When I read this story, I realize Jesus isn't trying to impress the disciples with his power. He wanted them to think about who he was. I did the same. Jesus is...
Creator of wind and water.
Ruler of nature.
Almighty-with a word from his mouth he calmed the situation.
Silencer of the seas.
Rebuker of the wind.
Builder of faith.
Calmer of the fearful.
He's God in the boat. When he journeys with me, why should I fear?
PRAYER
Lord, you are in control of this world. When the seas start to churn and the wind gets rough, you are the one who brings the calm.
