BRING ON THE STORM

(based on Luke 8:22-25)

Jesus tells his disciples to go to the other side of the lake and then takes a nap. This makes me picture a large lake, because Jesus was going to have time to take a nap and a large boat, because it would hold thirteen. Plus, remember many of the disciples were fishermen. They were very familiar with boats and water. I picture it this way ---

"Jesus must really be tired if he is going to take a nap," Simon says. (Sorry couldn't resist.)

James added, "Let him sleep. He has been healing and teaching so he needs a break."

Thomas chimed in, "The lake is calm. Jesus' nap will be as soothing as being rocked in a cradle."

"I hope so. Remember I was a tax collector and my legs get a bit wobbly out here," Matthew said with a smile.

The disciples had failed to check the weather channel and a squall came down on the boat. The cradle nap Jesus was enjoying was soon to be interrupted. The disciples woke Jesus.

"Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

Jesus got up and told the wind and raging waters to settle down. All was calm.

"Where is your faith?" Jesus asked his disciples. I am sure Jesus shook his head, got a bottle of water out of the cooler and found a place to sit down.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

When I read this I want to say, "Really? You have listened to Jesus. You have seen him heal. You have eaten with him. Sat around when no one else was there. Prayed with him. Don't you get it?"

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

How did they not get it? Why were they surprised when the wind and water obeyed Jesus?

It could happen to you. Do you sometimes not get it? Do you sometimes not understand?

When you have questions and when you don't understand, think about the disciples. They spent time with Jesus while he was in human form. They ate with him and told jokes. They watched him talk to children. They watched him heal the crippled lady. And they still did not comprehend!

Do you ask why? Then feel guilty because you apparently don't have enough faith. If you had enough faith, you wouldn't be asking why. You would simply trust.

When you ask why, think about the disciples. They asked Jesus why all the time. Why aren't you taking out the Romans? Why are you talking to the Gentiles? Why aren't you going straight to Lazarus so you can heal him? Why aren't you making Mary get in the kitchen with Martha so she can help cook our supper? Why are you talking to the Samaritan woman?

Do you ever deny Jesus? Say you don't know this man?

When you deny Jesus, think about Peter. Jesus told Peter, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church." Jesus asked Peter, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." And yet Peter denied Jesus three times.

When you have questions and when you don't understand, think about the disciples.

When you ask why, think about the disciples.

When you deny Jesus, think about Peter.

The disciples did not understand, they asked why and Peter denied Jesus, but Jesus loved them.

Just like Jesus loves you.