280
The Desire of Ages
were quickly crowded with people who followed Jesus, eager still to
see and hear Him.
The Saviour was at last relieved from the pressure of the multitude,
and, overcome with weariness and hunger, He lay down in the stern of
the boat, and soon fell asleep. The evening had been calm and pleasant,
and quiet rested upon the lake; but suddenly darkness overspread the
sky, the wind swept wildly down the mountain gorges along the eastern
shore, and a fierce tempest burst upon the lake.
The sun had set, and the blackness of night settled down upon the
stormy sea. The waves, lashed into fury by the howling winds, dashed
fiercely over the disciples’ boat, and threatened to engulf it. Those
hardy fishermen had spent their lives upon the lake, and had guided
their craft safely through many a storm; but now their strength and
skill availed nothing. They were helpless in the grasp of the tempest,
and hope failed them as they saw that their boat was filling.
Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten
that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing their labor vain and only death
before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out
to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. In their helplessness
and despair they cried, “Master, Master!” But the dense darkness hid
Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring of
the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them.
Had Jesus forsaken them? Was He who had conquered disease and
demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was
He unmindful of them in their distress?
Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the
angry blast. Already their boat is sinking. A moment, and apparently
they will be swallowed up by the hungry waters.
Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see
Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In amazement and
despair they exclaim, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” How
can He rest so peacefully, while they are in danger and battling with
death?
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Their cry arouses Jesus. As the lightning’s glare reveals Him,
they see the peace of heaven in His face; they read in His glance
self-forgetful, tender love, and, their hearts turning to Him, cry, “Lord,
save us: we perish.”