Fear He Who Quiets the Storm

By Jill Briscoe

“Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him.”  ~ Mark 4:36

There was another storm on Galilee.  Jesus and the disciples were in a boat together.  According to Mark, “other little boats” went along.  We do not know who was in those other vessels; all we know is that they wanted to be near Jesus.

“And a great wind storm arose, and the waves beat the boat, so that it was already filling” (v. 37).  This time, even Peter was afraid of the storm.  If the big boat was in trouble, can you imagine what was happening to the little boats?

Jesus, meanwhile, was asleep in the stern (see v. 38).  His frightened men woke Him up and accused Him of not caring for them properly.  “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (v. 38) they asked Him.  Jesus didn’t answer that question, but He stilled the storm, and He told them He cared about their lack of trust!  “Why are you so fearful?” He asked them.  “How is it that you have no faith?” (v. 40).  The Bible says the disciples “feared exceedingly” (v. 41).

It always makes more sense to fear the power of the One who can still the storm rather than to fear the power of the storm itself!  The other little boats were helped when Jesus stopped the wind and hushed the sea to sleep.  Our faith, or lack of it, always affects the little boats that sail by our side.  We mother should remember that!

Images via here, devo via here