OCU C)ISSO C Devotion 04
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MARK 4 – COMMAND
“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him.” Mark 4:41
One day, the disciples of Jesus decided to set sail to travel to the “other side” of the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is the second-lowest lake in the world, at levels 200 meters below sea level. Because of its depth, the sea was prone to violent winds as the valleys and hills would harness the elements creating wind-like tunnels.
As the disciples were sailing, suddenly, they found themselves in a “tempest of wind” – a “great” violent storm. The sky darkened, and a rolling thunder began to echo through the valleys as the rain descended from the heavens. Lightning filled the sky as it struck violently around the little ship; furious gusts of winds began to “beat” the little fishing ship, tossing it to and fro. The boat appears doomed as it is on the verge of being consumed. The disciples begin to cry out loud for deliverance.
All the while, in the middle of the tumultuous storm, Jesus is sleeping nestled peacefully inside the ship. The disciples are beside themselves as they shake the Lord Jesus awake. They cry, “Master, do you care that we are about to perish.” Jesus, with the greatest authority, hushes the winds. Immediately, the great tumult, the life-consuming upheaval, subsides…
CHALLENGE
My friend, are you presently in a storm, and the waves of the sea are overwhelming you? Be not afraid; God is the master of even the greatest of storms. For it is God who “establishe[s] the force of the wind and measure[s] out the waters when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm” (Job 28:25-26). God governs when the storms come and go, when they are stirred and when they are to subside. At His command, “even the wind and the sea obey him”!
Are you in a mighty storm, and your boat is about to capsize? Then cry out to God; he is ready to sail with you and give you “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, [and] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippines 4:7). RPF
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The story from Mark 4 recounts how Jesus and his disciples embarked on a journey across the Sea of Galilee, a lake known for sudden and violent storms due to its unique geography. During their voyage, a fierce storm arose, shaking the small fishing boat and threatening to drown them. While the disciples panicked, Jesus remained peacefully asleep, demonstrating calm amid chaos. Upon waking, he commanded the storm to cease, instantly calming the winds and waves. This miracle left the disciples in awe, questioning the identity of a man who could command nature itself.
This passage offers profound comfort to those facing personal storms in life. Just as Jesus controlled the natural tempest, believers can trust that God governs the trials and challenges they encounter. God’s authority extends even over the harshest storms, ensuring they only occur according to His divine will. When overwhelmed, one can turn to God for peace that transcends understanding, guarding both heart and mind in times of distress.
In moments when life’s waves feel overwhelming and your ‘boat’ seems ready to capsize, remember this story. Calling out to God brings reassurance, strength, and the calming presence that can still the fiercest storms within us.
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This devotion is telling me that no matter the “storm” or hard times you face that Jesus will be there to help you overcome it. It also seems that if you are in a tough spot about to drown in your sorrow, reach out to God and ask for help, because he will be the one to bring you comfort and peace through your storm of hardship. This is a beautiful devotional to describe, and it tells me that God will help you even when you do not have the faith in yourself, God does, and he is there. If you seek out to God, he will forgive you for whatever it may be that you need help with if you can admit you have done wrong.
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Storms of life tend to come and go in our lives and like the weather, some are small some are large, some storms are quick and some last a long while. But it is important to seek shelter in God to protect us in our storms of life, as we would seek shelter in our homes to avoid the rains and the winds.
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