READ: Mark 4:35-41
But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? – Mark 4:40
It has been a long day as Jesus concludes His teaching in parables. He instructs his disciples to sail back across the sea, bidding farewell to the crowd. They set out, accompanied by other boats, and Jesus, exhausted, falls asleep in the stern.
But then the weather suddenly changes, and a storm arises. Waves crash into the boat and it begins to sink. Meanwhile, Jesus continues to sleep. Eventually, it becomes necessary to wake Him. By this time, the disciples are in a panic and accuse Jesus of not paying attention to them. They are in a state of emergency and in danger of perishing.
However, Jesus remains calm and rebukes the wind. With that single command, He stills the entire sea. Then He chides His disciples, asking them why they are so afraid and why they lack faith. The disciples’ reaction may seem natural, but they forget entirely that Jesus is the Son of God, with power over the entire creation. He has already demonstrated this power to them in many miracles, and they were always present. How can they be so unbelieving? It was even Jesus Himself who proposed crossing the sea. Moreover, He is the Christ, their Saviour, who came to save them.
Jesus requires this same trust from us, especially now that He has been given the Name above all names, and He will be with us until the end of the world. No, we cannot be reckless in our lives. But if we are in His service, we can fully surrender ourselves to His guidance. That is what He asks of us, and it is an act of faith. As God’s children, we may become sick or experience accidents, but even in those situations, He will take care of us. Let that give us peace and rest.
Are you worried about illness? What do you do with that?
Singing: Ps. 91:1