Storm Watch 22 February 2008

Mark 4:35-41
Friday, 22 February 2008

February is a good month for considering storms. Whenever I make plans to travel in February I am always prepared for a winter storm to upset them. In fact, just today I was scheduled to travel to Virginia for a conference, but the winter storm lasted just long enough to cause the airline to cancel my flight.

The disciples and Jesus are traveling by boat from one side of the sea to the other. The very human Jesus takes the opportunity away from the crowds to catch a nap. As he sleeps, a storm arises on the sea, highlighted by rough winds and swamping waves. Even the fishers aboard the ship begin to note the force of wind and the danger of the waters. Just then, somebody remembers that Jesus is on board. Awakening him, they ask, "Don't you care that we are about to die?" Nothing about their question suggests that they thought Jesus could do something about the storm. They were just curious about how he could sleep through the racket. The more than human Jesus surprises them. He rebukes the wind and commands the sea to be calm. Immediately, all is quiet.

There is much for us to learn in this story. But the lesson for me today is to stop watching the storm and know that there is no cancellation for the Lord's plans. When we focus on the storm, we forget our own past experiences and testimonies of deliverance from and in worse situations. Looking at the storm, we forget that Jesus is on board our ship. The only thing we ought to watch for in the storm is the response of the storm when Jesus speaks. Peace, be still.


Sing, "Master the Tempest is Raging"

Let us pray:
Almighty God, your voice quiets all the storms in our life. Forgive us for our lack of trust in your guiding and guarding us toward our destination. Grant us grace in the midst of the storm and faith until it passes over. May we follow Jesus and be at rest even when the storm is raging and the billows roll, we pray in his name. Amen