Daily Devotion

 

 

Luke tells this story with an extraordinary economy of words, and at the same time, with extraordinary vividness.  It was no doubt for much-needed rest, and quiet that Jesus decided to cross the lake.  As they sailed, He fell asleep.

 

It is a lovely thing to think of the sleeping Jesus.  He was tired, just as we become tired. He, too, could reach the point of exhaustion when the claim of sleep is imperative.  He trusted His men; they were fishermen, and He was content to leave things to their skill, and seamanship, and to relax.

Then the storm came.  The Sea of Galilee is famous for its sudden squalls.  It is more than six hundred feet below sea level and is surrounded by tablelands beyond which the great mountains rise.  The rivers have cut deep ravines which act like great funnels to draw down the storms.  It was just such a sudden storm that struck the boat that day, and Jesus and His disciples were at risk of their lives.  The disciples woke Jesus and, with a word, He calmed the storm. The real meaning of this incident is that, wherever Jesus is, the storm becomes a calm.

 

Life Application:  Have you ever invited Jesus to calm the storm that is blowing in your life?  It doesn't make any difference if the storm is one of temptation, passion, or sorrow.  It is as if His hand is under your chin to hold you up.

 

Praise/ Prayer:  Dear Father, in this story the disciples tell us what to do when the storms blow up. "Call on Jesus."  He is always the answer and the quieter of every storm.  I am so thankful that I have discovered that He is the one I need when the devil blows a storm.  Jesus is my hiding place.  He is the one to speak to the devil and set me free.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!  Amen!