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Stilling of the Storm
199
Jesus Cared
Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten
that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing only death before them, they
remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea.
In Jesus was their only hope. “Master, Master!” But their voices
were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply.
Doubt and fear assailed them. Was He who had conquered disease
and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now?
Was He unmindful of their distress?
Again they called, but there was no answer except the shrieking
of the angry blast. Apparently they were 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 tumult. In amazement they
exclaimed, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
Their cry aroused Jesus. As the lightning’s glare revealed Him,
they saw the peace of heaven in His face; they saw in His glance
tender love, and they cried, “Lord, save us: we perish.”
Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasped
their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rose. While the tempest raged
and the waves broke over them, He lifted His hand and said to the
angry sea, “Peace, be still.”
The billows sank, the clouds rolled away, and the stars shone
forth. The boat rested on a quiet sea. Then Jesus asked sorrowfully,
“Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” RSV.
A hush fell upon 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 into close proximity, and all on board
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beheld the miracle. The people whispered among themselves, “What
manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, there was no trace
of fear in word or look. But He rested not in possession of almighty
power. It was not as “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He
reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down. “I can of Mine own
self do nothing.”
John 5:30
. He trusted in the Father’s might. It was
in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that Jesus rested, and the
power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God.