Mark 4 - 2.14.24

Scripture

Mark 4: 39-40

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Observation

The disciples were afraid for their lives. They ran to Jesus and said - why aren’t you doing something?? He calms the storm. But he challenges them - why are you so afraid?

Application

We are going to experience storms - they are a part of life. When Jesus took the disciples across the lake, he knew the storm was coming. And he was in control. The God we serve has the power to command the elements. He has the power to control and direct our lives. And he tells us to trust him.

Psalms 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Earlier in the chapter 4, we read, “With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” Jesus spent time with his disciples, teaching and training them, preparing them for the storms ahead. Likewise, when we spend time alone with him, in his presence and in his word, he is teaching and training us, preparing us for the storms ahead.

“Whatever furious squalls are frightening us, we can be sure that the Lord who is with us is in charge. He may well lead us into trials; he will certainly lead us through … This story is not just a message of comfort for Christians who are facing trials in their lives; it’s a challenge as well. ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ Jesus asks. If we are disciples, what is our answer? (Steve Wilmhurst, Mark, A Ransom For Many)

Prayer

Lord, thank you for this challenge today. Thank you for continuing to work on my heart to change my first response from fear, worry, or panic to faith, knowing that you are in control.

- Debbie Dunn