Jesus calms the storm
by Pastor Fraser Pearce
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41b)
Read Mark 4:35–41
Do you sometimes wonder why Jesus leads you where he does? And do you sometimes wonder if your Lord cares for you in the storms of life? If so, today’s reading is for you. The good news is that Jesus is with you even when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm you: Jesus has the authority to bring his peace into your life.
In our reading, it is Jesus who encourages his disciples to go with him across ‘to the other side’ – it is his idea to bring his disciples over the chaos of the sea and into a land where they will be confronted with the forces of evil (the Gerasene demoniac – Mark 5:1–20). As they travel, a gale arises, and the boat is at the point of being swamped while Jesus is sleeping comfortably in the stern of the ship.
It is hardly surprising that the disciples wake him up. We understand how they feel. Jesus has led them into this situation, and it appears he doesn’t care about the peril they find themselves in. In our own lives, Jesus can call us into places where we face real difficulties – in marriage, at work or even in our congregation – and it can seem like he doesn’t care that we feel overwhelmed and at the point of giving up.
The disciples learn who Jesus is as they call out to him. He wakes up and rebukes the wind and sea by speaking his word: ‘Peace! Be still!’ He brings an end to the threatening waves.
Jesus is with you where he has called you. He has authority over all the forces of darkness and chaos. By his word, he brings peace and order. Even the sea and wind obey him, so do not be afraid.
Lord Jesus, thank you for being with me where you call me to be and that the tempests still obey your voice. I trust that even when I enter the darkness of death, you will awaken me to new life with you. Amen.
Fraser Pearce grew up in Sydney and has served as a pastor in Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide. He is married to Margaret, and they have four children, ranging in age from 15 to 24. Fraser enjoys being with family and friends, listening to (and playing) music and reading.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
