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Stilling of the Storm
203
Jesus Cared
Focused on their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten
that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing only death before them, they
remembered who had commanded them to set out across the sea.
Their only hope was in Jesus. “Master, Master!” But the roaring
tempest drowned out their voices, and there was no reply. Doubt
and fear overtook them. Jesus had conquered disease and demons,
and even death. Was He powerless to help His disciples now? Was
He unaware of their distress?
[152]
Again they called, but there was no answer except the shrieking
of the angry storm. Apparently, they were going to be swallowed up
by the hungry waters.
Suddenly a flash of lightning pierced the darkness, and they saw
Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tempest. In amazement, they
exclaimed, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Their cry awakened Jesus. As the lightning’s glare revealed Him,
they saw the peace of heaven in His face; they saw tender love in
His glance, and they cried, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
Never did anyone utter that cry unheard. As the disciples grasped
their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rose. While the storm raged
and the waves broke over them, He lifted His hand and said to the
angry sea, “Peace, be still!”
The waves sank, the clouds rolled away, and the stars came out.
The boat rested on a quiet sea. Then Jesus asked sorrowfully, “Why
are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
A hush fell on the disciples. Terror and despair had seized the
occupants of the boats that had set out to accompany Jesus. The
storm had driven the boats close together, and all on board saw the
miracle. The people whispered among themselves, “Who can this
be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He showed no
trace of fear in word or look. But it was not His possession of
almighty power that gave Him rest. It was not as “Master of earth
and sea and sky” that He rested quietly. That power He had laid
down. “I can of Myself do nothing.”
John 5:30
. He trusted in the
Father’s might. It was in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that