The disciples said to Jesus, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). Jesus, sound asleep, in the stern of the ship seemed to give the disciples the perspective that He didn’t care. Did they not learn that in Him, they could rest, regardless of the storm?
How many times have we asked God the same question? “God, do You not care that I am going through this divorce? That I’m lonely? That I’m depressed? That I lost my job? That my child has turned against You? That I have this illness? That my finances are straining my ability to live? Lord, do you not care? It can seem like Jesus is just sleeping during these tremulous times of our lives. Now, think about this: If Jesus can sleep through the storm, it must mean that the storm is not that big of a deal.
When I can’t sleep at night, it is because I’m worried about something; I feel like I don’t have complete control over a situation; I feel threatened. Adversely, when I do sleep well, it is because I feel in control, confident and at peace about where things are in my life. If I can feel these things, then certainly Jesus can.
Jesus’ inactivity does not mean He does not care, or can’t do anything about it; it means He is in complete control. So, why can’t we rest when He does?
In our attempt to escape our circumstance, we strive for God to show us a sign, provide relief or make a way out. Is this wrong to want out? We are human, so our normal tendency is to desire the direction that is less painful. But being children of God, we need to take the road that’s more fruitful. Fruit comes from trails like struggles, pain, uncertainty, difficulties, loneliness, and even illness.
Jesus’ disciples at this point had seen Jesus teach with great authority, cast out demons, heal the sick, and rebuke the Pharisees. Their confidence in Jesus had grown, but was quickly withered when they saw a storm; they expected, yet, another great sign to increase their confidence in Jesus. When none came, they lost their faith in Him because their faith was in what He did, not Who He was.
Sadly, it was after Jesus hushed the storm, stilled the water, they began to ask the right question, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” They moved from the what to the who. Jesus was giving them the opportunity to grow in their very own problem of seeing and not perceiving, the hearing and not understanding.
Jesus had just taught the multitudes in parables prior to this event. After speaking to the multitudes, the disciples asked Him about the meaning behind the parables. Jesus said, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God; but those who are outside get everything in parables, in order that while seeing they may see and not perceive; and while hearing, they may hear and not understand lest they return and be forgiven.” (Mark 4:10-12). Jesus had given the disciples the ability to perceive and understand. What was holding them back?
The disciples struggled with the same problem as the multitude, seeing Jesus through the sin of no faith. But being chosen, Jesus took them on the journey of a storm to teach them to perceive and understand. It is in this ability to perceive and not just see and understand and not just hear that our faith is increased.
We tend to look at the surface of things. We even tend to listen without truly hearing what is spoken to us. We are a transit, external, hectic and distracted society. It’s easy in this kind of environment to only hear and only see. And it’s easy to look for the way out, relief, and a quick fix to our problems and not look for lasting transformation. This way is certainly not fruitful.
Jesus reprimanded His disciples with, “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith? (Mark 4:40). “Timid” means “cowardly and fearful.” God does not call us to a cowardly fearful faith. He calls us to a faith of power and strength. This faith renovates the soul vs. reprieving us from the circumstance.
The only thing we should fear is The One who can destroy both body and soul. We fear and tremble only at the Words of The One who is sovereign. We are not to fear the trial, the enemy or the words of this world. The one thing that the disciples learned in this passage is that Jesus was more than just sovereign over wisdom, illness, demonic depression and over false teachers; they learned that He was Creator and sovereign over all He has made, and that included each one of them. This also includes each circumstance they encountered on their walk to intimacy with Him.
I have often wondered how the disciples’ faith would have grown even more if they had decided to lay down and sleep, while riding out the storm, instead of freaking out in fear, demanding a sign or relief. Where would their faith had been if they had decided to rest in the Savior’s rest? I wonder if they wouldn’t have gained a greater perception and understanding of His Sovereignty?
When the storms of life hit us, we need to choose to trust in Who Jesus is, not just in what He does. The truth of the following passage, Proverbs 3:19-24, gives us direction:
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew. My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid ; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.
This passage, “…let them not vanish from your sight…,” means don’t lose sight of the sovereignty of God’s power and who He is. God tells us “…keep sound wisdom and discretion.” Look back, keep at the forefront of your mind Who God has been to you over the years and how He has blessed you and helped you. Why would He stop now?
Instead of fearing the enemy of storms, walk securely in His promises and take confidence in His Character. He will keep your foot from being caught, meaning He will not keep you in this circumstance forever; once the circumstance has taught the lesson intended, it will lift. In this kind of faith, your sleep will come easily, your rest will be sweet even in the midst of the storm. The good news is: we can rest in the Savior’s rest, because we can trust in Who He is not just in What He does?
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