Teacher, Don’t You Care?

Leaving the crowd behind, they took him [Jesus] along, just as he was, in the boat.  There were also other boats with him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.  The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quite!  Be still!”  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him!”        Mark 4:36-41

These disciples were amazed by Jesus’ teachings.  They have witnessed Jesus performing miraculous healings.  Yet, incredibly, they have trouble believing Jesus has authority over nature.  They realize the storms on the lake have created a seriously, dangerous situation.  The threat of capsized boats and drowning was a traumatic event, yet Jesus seized the opportunity to teach the disciples an essential faith lesson.

Disciples of Christ shouldn’t be surprised to encounter storms in life.  Jesus wants to know if your faith will remain strong in all circumstances.  Will your faith be real and functioning or merely a shallow belief?  Will your faith persevere to the end?

Serving Jesus in the “calm” times is often comfortable and easy.  However, will you be able to consider it pure joy (James 1:3f) during the “stormy” times of life?  Claiming Jesus as your Lord and Master is a commitment, not a convenience.

Storms may be caused by conflict or selfishness or worldliness or unforeseen circumstances.  Storms in our life can create fear.  Fear may cause us to question who Jesus is.  Faith in the midst of fear is an essential part of discipleship.

Let us remember who Jesus is:  Our savior; our way; our truth; our life; and, the one who gave us victory over death.  God created all things through him.  He’s the protector of our souls.
Yes, Jesus cares!  Have the faith to trust him.  There is life beyond the storm.

Dear Father, please forgive me when my fears overcome my faith.  Please strengthen my faith so I will know, beyond any doubt, that you care about my soul.  Help me persevere in faith, so I may become a mature disciple of Christ.  In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Carl Smith
Stephenville, TX