By Omar Rojas

“So after leaving the crowd, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat, and other boats were with him. Now a great windstorm developed and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was nearly swamped.” (Mk 4:36-37, NET)

If you’ve had your fair share of short or long voyages, I’m sure you can express the feeling when the rhythm your senses are accustomed to is suddenly broken by an unexpected yank or shove caused by the unpredictable seas. Hopefully, this did not translate into hitting yourself on a rail while you napped in your seat or going overboard while taking a stroll on deck. These undesired occurrences are simply a couple of the many possibilities that result from ever-changing and reconfiguring waters. In this case, a great windstorm disrupted the Sea of Galilee.

After a long day of ministry Jesus and his disciples retreat from the crowd to board their personal vessel and “other boats were with him” (4:36). When the storm develops, however, our attention is drawn to only one boat. Notice the difference between the two verses. A shift from plural to singular takes place. Our focus is zeroed in to one boat. Sometimes, storms do just that. They break off and isolate an entity from the rest. We are certain that a boat is designed to thrive in still seas and has proved to challenge the tempest but there are moments where even experienced and skillful sailors are caught by surprise and fear.

Have you ever tried focusing your vision as a wet wind sweeps your face? The task proves to be difficultconstantly wiping with your hands and squinting your eyes. On top of your depth of field being significantly reduced, add a powerful rocking motion all the while attempting to secure the vessel. Storms stretch us. They dismantle our skillset and sometimes violently shake us into nearsighted faith.
“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?” (Mk 4:38, NIV)

The concept “naptime” is not foreign to neither of us. A day packed with ministry is exhausting and the ride was an opportune time to rest. Indeed, Jesus slept! Combine this with a natural phenomenon and you expose the heart and mind of Jesus’ closest followers. A misconception existed.

The truth is that storms reveal the make-up of our hearts. They reveal our misunderstandings, fear, and insecurities. For the disciples, it was all of the above. Some of the disciples were experienced fishermen and this tempest struck them in every way. All control was lost. Their fortitude proved to be insignificant. When this happens we have a tendency to make sense of the situation by drawing up conclusions to explain things. For them, it was to question Jesus as one who did not care. His character was questioned. Does this hold truth? Does it really hold substance? Does the presence of a storm in this broken world reduce Jesus as someone who does not care?

39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Fear is a threat to faith. It is a parasite that distorts and even paralyzes our perspective of hope. Perhaps in this time you find that the storm has exposed your heart’s inclination. When we place our assurance elsewhere, the storm will prove it to be futile. Our job, savings, skill-set may be insufficient. We need something greater than ourselves–the hope that will carry us in this life and into eternity. That is Jesus.

Jesus is Lord of creation. Notice that the storm developed and that it ceased at Jesus’ command suddenly. During tumultuous times, Jesus can introduce a great calm that is unchallenged and unquestionably present. Our misunderstandings, fear, and insecurities are quickly dissolved in a new context. Experience his tranquility. It’s possible to have our faith intact amidst chaos. His peace can be present in spite of the tempest. This is the assurance the disciples lacked in the moment but came to learn later in life as they were all persecuted for their faith. What does the storm expose in your life? Are there false gods? Fear?

Do not be afraid. Like humanity, all of creation is restless and in need of redemption. Remember Jesus is not only captain of this ship but possesses sovereignty over the natural disruptions that invade His creation. Jesus is Lord. He is our everlasting hope. Allow him to permeate your time and space, for our hope is in Him–in Jesus Christ and his second coming.

“He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed” (Ps 107:29)

You can follow Omar Rojas on Instagram @omar.rojas_7 and on YouTube as Verses Intro