Daily Devotional for Thursday, January 29

The Cry, the Rebuke and Response

“And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, Master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith?” Luke 24, 25.

Have you ever seen those scary videos of boats being tossed by ocean waves? You can feel the dread as you watch a wave quadruple the size of the boat slowly approaching. One minute the boat is still atop the water and in an instant is pulled under by the raging water. The force of nature is still one mankind has not forced into submission. The destruction left in the wake of tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, landslides and other storms shows that no matter how advanced our society and technology become, we are not in control. It is no surprise that the disciples were paralyzed with fear and wonder as Jesus demonstrated His authority as the Creator.

The disciples ran to Jesus in their crisis, crying out to Him as He wiped the sleep from His eyes. Immediately He stood and rebuked the wind and the sea and said “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). It reminds me of a substitute teacher trying to quiet a class and then one of their other teachers walking in with just a look to gain complete control. Authority is everything. The disciples knew Jesus was powerful and knew He could perform miracles, but I do not think they expected all of nature to listen and obey His commands. After rebuking the storm, He turned to rebuke the disciples. After all that He taught them and all they had experienced so far, they still let fear outweigh their faith.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Sometimes because we are so free to speak to God, we forget His ultimate authority.

Ashley Ridings