Today’s Reading: Mark 4:35-41, Matthew Ch 10
Optional readings: Matthew 8:23-9:38, Mark 5:1-6:29, Luke 8:22-9:9
Storm, Demoniac, miracles
I went on a cruise years ago. One evening, a storm formed over the Caribbean, and the ocean waves really tossed this huge ship around. The width and mass of the ship kept us safe, but I was amazed at the awesome power of the water. It was scary.
I think weather is scary because humans are used to having some amount of control over other crises that may arise, but no real control over weather. There is a direct correlation between our sense of control and our level of fear.
The disciples were in a boat not anywhere near the size of a modern cruise ship. When a great storm beat against the disciples’ boat, they were naturally afraid. The fishermen of the bunch probably knew men who had lost their lives in sea storms. In their minds, everything was at the mercy of the storm… their boat, possibly their possessions, their lives, their Messiah’s life, and their mission. And they had no control over it.
They wake Jesus, and He tells the storm, “Quiet! Be still!”
As they came to the realization that Jesus had the power to tell the wind and waves to obey, they were even more terrified! They were in the presence of someone more powerful than nature.
Why does Jesus rebuke them for being afraid? Wouldn’t it be natural to have fear in that situation? Our natural inclinations are often, and usually, not holy ones. Jesus is calling them out of the natural and into the supernatural by asking them to trust in Him, the One through whom all things were created.
Fear is rooted in distrust, and distrust is rooted in unfamiliarity.
If we can get to the point of fully trusting, that is faith.
Can we say we have faith if we still have fear?
When we choose fear, we are communicating that we don’t fully trust God.
And fear is a choice. You may not have a choice about the way your nervous system reacts or the way your heart races or the emotion that rises within you, but you do have a choice to your responses and your behaviors.
This is why verses like “Do not fear” are more than an encouragement; they are an imperative, a command.
To feel some fear is not necessarily sinful. To walk in that fear and allow it to dictate your actions, however, shows a lack of faith. This is why we see both attributes in Jesus rebuke: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (vs. 40).
When Jesus is everything to you, you hold everything else loosely. There is NOTHING anyone can take from you that would destroy you, because Jesus is all you really need, and no one can ever take Him from you.
In Matthew 10, we see Jesus testing the disciples’ faith again. He essentially tells them, “I’m sending you out to do my work. It’s gonna be rough. You won’t have any money or belongings. You’ll be put on trial and beat. People are gonna hate you. They’re going to make it hard for you. But don’t be afraid.”
And here’s a bonus for you: Jesus is talking to us here too. The assignment given to the apostles is given to us as well. Some details may change, like the century and the city, but the assignment is still the same.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28)
What are you afraid of? Is it bigger than the One who created it??
Again, when Jesus is your everything, what’s the worst anyone can do to you? Whatever they take, you still have Jesus. If they put you in prison, you still have Jesus. And if they kill you, you still have Jesus.
I am convinced that fear is one of the most often used tools of the enemy. It clouds our judgment, confuses our moral compass, and enslaves our minds. You may feel as though it’s impossible to get to a place of no fear. In your own strength, you may be right. Thank God we don’t have to rely on our strength.
Most powerful Jesus, forgive me for often thinking too little of You or treating you more like a buddy than the Master over creation. In my heart, I want to make you my everything! I desire the faith that overcomes my fear. I need Your strength to do it. I want to be so familiar with You through the Word and prayer that I trust You all the way, through the trials of life and even unto death. Amen.