THE POWER OF JESUS: CALMING THE STORM

Scripture Text: Matthew 8: 23 - 27

In today’s passage we read that the disciples were in the boat when a furious storm hit them. The storm was an angry intent storm which came up without any warning and the waves swept over that the boat, threatening to capsize them. However, in the midst of all these, Jesus was sleeping.

We can learn some lessons from this incident and apply it to our lives.

The boat can be seen as representing the church and the lake, our journey in life. Sometimes, we face the storms of life such as an illness, a financial problem or personal fears. In the midst of our trials, do we know the power of Christ to overcome? Most of us worry and project overly negative thoughts about the situation just like the disciples did. Although the disciples saw many miracles performed by Jesus, they had never witnessed Jesus controlling the forces of nature. As such, they did not know that He could. How well do you know Jesus?

In John 15:5 Jesus says “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. This reminds us that only when we stay connected to Jesus, can we do anything. Therefore, we must first be centered in God.

Jesus also assures us not to fear. In John 16:33 Jesus says “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. Jesus promises us His help and that He will strengthen us. He will give us the power, grace and peace to overcome our problems. On our part, we must always keep our eyes focused on Jesus and spend time with Him daily.

In Matthew 8:24, we find Jesus sleeping in the midst of the furious storm. As a side point, our human body also needs sleep. Why is this important? We need sleep for the proper functioning of our body. We need at least about seven to eight hours of sleep each day. Do not overwork your body as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 8:25 records the disciples cry “Lord, save us, we’re going to drown!’. In verse 26 Jesus rebukes the disciples for being so afraid and having little faith. The disciples had little faith because they never saw Jesus controlling the forces of nature. When they saw Jesus controlling the storm, they were very amazed that the winds and the waves obeyed Him. The disciples should have had more faith. For a start, Jesus had already shown that He could perform other miracles before this incident of the storm took place. Are we not like the disciples too in our shortsightedness?

Mark 4:38 records a slight variation to the disciples cry for help. There it is recorded that the disciples cried out “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”. These words imply that Jesus is not a good God as He does not care for them. The disciples doubted Jesus’ love and this accusation and lack of trust must have hurt and grieved Jesus. In life, when we are faced with trials, Satan tries to make us doubt and waver in our faith. Do you continue to look up to God when tempted to doubt or do you look down, dwelling in your troubles? Where is your faith today? Have you grown in faith? How is it with your soul today? Be continually amazed with Jesus’ power and love. Satan wants us to doubt but be reminded that God will always see us through.

Prayer Response

Dear Lord, thank you for the promises in the Bible. I know that they are true and I can put my trust in them. You have promised me that you will never leave me nor forsake me. I thank you not only for the blessings, but also for the trials in my life because I have been strengthened through them. I know that you will always see me through

Devotional based on message by Rev Dr Tan Siang Yang