Riders On The Storm

If you are quasi familiar with biblical teachings, you have likely heard sermons on Jesus “calming the storm.” Apparently, this particular storm was kind of a big deal since Matthew, Mark and Luke all chose to record it. But for the sake of this post, let’s flip this script.

Tradition references this text as an example of Jesus’ ablility to calm crisis in our life. While certainly applicable as it CAN BE a lesson on the value of trusting God, I submit Matt, Mark and Luke were making an more profound point. One that tends to get overlooked.

WHAT IF – we focus on what Jesus was DOING at the time of the impending shipwreck? He said – “I only do what I see my Dad do.” Since Dad, Jesus and Spirit are One, what were Dad, Spirit and Jesus doing when this squall hit? Think about it. REALLY THINK ABOUT IT.

Luke paints a vivid picture. …..”the winds blew and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, SLEEPING on a cushion. The frantic disciples woke him. ” Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and then rebuked them for their lack of faith. Bros are in the midst of gale force winds and He’s reprimanding them. But why? God is well familiar with the human condition, so it is doubtful He was scolding them for exhibiting fear of death. Panic would have been a natural response to such a stressful sitch.

Let me submit a possible why, because I believe the picture is bigger than what we have considered.

WHAT IF – their storm, your storm, my storm isn’t the point? What if the point of this account is about the ABSENCE OF REST and this, not anger at their lack of faith, was the impetus for His rebuke?

Jesus was modeling what their response to the storm SHOULD have been. He told them before they launched they would go to the other side, but they became distracted by the waves. We are no different. We get preoccupied with waves too.

Truth is, you will be rescued either way because He is faithful. And His faithfulness doesn’t depend on you, your great or limited faith, any more than their lack of faith didn’t prohibit Him from their rescue. He didn’t let them go under, and He won’t let you either.

So take a deep breath, grab a cushion, and enter into His rest. The storm will soon pass.

#shiftyourfocus