
ONE thing I’ve learned to appreciate about reading the Bible is that God’s Word is never stagnant. By that I mean I have yet to exhaust a single story, book, letter or passage within its covers. Considering that “All scripture was given by inspiration of God…” some may find this to be obvious. However, when you’ve heard sermons and discussions on a particular topic so many times before, it can be difficult to discover the value that comes from looking through raw lenses. And then the attitude of, “I know that already”, sets in making it nearly impossible to receive further clarity.
Before we explore the above verses let’s set the scene. Afterwards, we’ll review the story and close with how it applies to us.
Setting the Scene
Jesus had just concluded teaching a lesson using a parable about a Sower and different soil types. By now it’s evening so it’s no surprise that He’s tired. He tells the disciples to pack up and prepare to travel to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Not too long ago, He handpicked all 12 of His new followers; four of them were expert fishermen (Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John). The Sea of Galilee is sixty-four square miles, seven hundred feet below sea level, surrounded by mountains that are two thousand feet above sea level and the largest body of freshwater in the region.
This is important because it explains that violent windstorms in this area are common. “Most researchers who have given time and energy to studying the topography of the Sea of Galilee and the nature of the storms that are recorded in the Bible agree that a storm on the sea can be characterised as sudden, unpredictable, and potentially violent. Several factors contribute to this conclusion.
First…the winds that create the storm come across the mountains and drop suddenly and severely upon the lake below.
Second, the height of the mountains…creates a natural collision course for the cold air descending…to meet the warm air mass ascending from the lake below.
Third, the topography and the colliding of warm and cold air masses create swirling and unpredictable winds.” Lifeway.com
With the scene set, proceed to the story.
The Sudden Storm
“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41.
The background of the scene explains how unexpected windstorms are likely to occur. Although it caught the disciples by surprise, do you think Jesus was shocked? Consider that this is the same Jesus who told Nathaniel that he saw him before his brother called him; identified Judas as His betrayer before he betrayed Him and warned Peter of his denial before the cock crowed three times. (John 1:48, Matthew 26:23,34). Surely this storm did not catch the all-knowing Son of God off guard. Yet, it was Him who instructed the disciples to venture to the other side of the waters. Following God’s path doesn’t mean there won’t be turbulence.
As Jesus slept, the storm made its presence known with unmerciful force. The winds beat upon the boat like a boxer does a heavy bag during warm-up sessions. Remember, at least four of the men on board were expert fishermen who were familiar with navigating the waters. In my imagination, and common to human nature, I can see them employing all their years of experience to hold the boat steady until they reach the point of exhaustion. When all their efforts had failed, panic-stricken, they called on Jesus. This reminds me too much of myself when facing uncertainties.
Now, notice the tone in which they requested His assistance: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” It’s a question we can relate to. It’s the inquiry that comes from the soul outdone by a life circumstance and thirsting for answers. Although it sounds blasphemous, its sincerity is heard by the Divine ears and is translated: “God, do you care about me?”
After awaking and commanding the violent winds to cease as though they were under His control the entire time, He turned to the panic-stricken disciples and responded with two questions of His own: Why are you afraid and do you still not trust in who I AM?
Application to Us
Psalm 121:4 says “Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” However, there are times when it seems as though God is sleeping while we’re going through fierce difficulties. The Greek words used to characterise this storm are also used to describe symbolic and metaphorical occurrences common to us all.
James 1:6 says: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” And Matthew 7:24-27 says “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
The question we each must grapple with is ‘Will I trust God or not?’ The storms in life are not a surprise to Him. As He has exercised superiority over the matters that cause us to fear in the past, He can do so in the present and future. Choosing faith is a decision that only we can make. Let us see today’s obstacles as opportunities to remain steadfast in God’s ability to sustain and deliver us. When tempted to cry “Jesus, wake up!” I pray we remember His assurance, I never take my eyes off my precious children.