A Word for Today | Luke 8:22-25
Luke 8:22-25 tells a short story that makes a big point about Jesus’ power to calm the storms of our lives. He was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples when a sudden tempest descended on them. The Sea of Galilee was notorious for sudden storms, as the cold air from the 9200-foot height of Mount Hermon crashed down upon the warm air of the lake. This now happened, causing a sudden panic among His disciples. We have similarly been struck by a dire and unforeseen crisis with the arrival of the coronavirus. What can the experience of Jesus’ disciples in their boat say to us?
First, the disciples experienced this deadly storm because Jesus sent them into it. “Let us go across to the other side,” He had said (Lk. 8:22). Our Savior likewise has ordained storms for us, all for our eternal good. While the disciples were not in actual danger, having the Lord with them, the tempest did test their faith. Likewise, Peter wrote that our trials test “the genuineness of [our] faith – more precious than gold though it is tested by fire” (1 Pet. 1:7). Jesus said to His panicked disciples: “Where is your faith?” (Lk. 8:25). We should therefore consider what our response to this health crisis has to say about our faith. Are we able to trust the Lord without dismay when danger draws near?
Second, the storms of our lives strengthen our faith because they display Christ’s commanding power. The boat began to sink and the disciples roused Jesus: “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (Lk. 8:24). Isn’t it interesting that Jesus was calm enough to sleep during the storm! Standing up, Jesus then “rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm” (Lk. 8:24). This scene reminds us that there is no circumstance we ever face over which Jesus lacks authority. The Lord of Creation speaks and the winds die down. Do you notice that it was by His Word that Jesus brought calm to the storm? If we will open our hearts to God’s Word during this pandemic, we too will be calmed as His conquering power works within us.
Third, Jesus was so concerned about His disciples’ faith – as He is about ours – because through faith we receive His saving blessings. Do we wish the Lord would keep us from storms like the one we now face? Not if we treasure our faith! By faith we are made strong and by faith we receive the peace our Savior came into this world to give. It is the safety of our souls that Jesus cares most about, so it is now to us that He commands: “Peace, be still!” If we hear His voice and simply trust Him, we will be able to respond with the words of the beloved hymn:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way / When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, though has taught me to say / It is well, it is well, with my soul.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips