Monday, July 23, 2012
Mark 4:39-41 Then Jesus arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
JESUS GIVES PEACE
Who is Jesus? Many people today believe Jesus was just a "good" teacher; that He wasn't really who He claimed to be -- the Son of God! IF that were true, then Jesus would be the biggest liar ever! However, Jesus Himself reminded the unbelievers in His day, "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him" (John 10:37-38). Today and this week we focus on some of those amazing miracles that Jesus really DID. Simply by His word and command Jesus was able to calm the storm on the sea. In this, He also calmed the fears of His disciples who thought they were going to die in the storm.
When I was in 7th or 8th grade I had the fun opportunity with a cousin of mine to ride a jet ski on a big lake in Minnesota. We went all over the lake, and because we were small enough yet, we could even water ski behind the Jet Ski. I was amazed at how powerful the Jet Ski was, but what was even more amazing was how fast a storm came up that afternoon. We had to cross the lake (which took 5-10 minutes in peaceful conditions) to get back to the dock. With rain beating down, lighting striking above us, and waves that tossed us here and there, we were pretty shaken up by the time we got back.
Jesus' Word (The Bible) does far more than calm the storms of the sea. His Word calms the storms of our lives! By His Word He freely gives the peace of forgiveness for our sin and guilt, and daily guidance to the safety of our eternal harbor! Jesus comforts us in reminding us, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). Thank you Jesus for giving me Your peace!
