However much the weatherman wants you to believe he can see into the future with all his data and instruments, storms cannot be predicted with precision. They can spring up without warning. They can vary from moderate to severe to dangerous. And they can humble even the most stalwart heart. Storms are one of the many phenomena in the world that we actively try to avoid. And, I don’t know about you, but I’ve often prayed, “God, please, I never want to experience a storm that threatens my life.”
But storms aren’t always of the weather variety, are they? We can experience hardships in our personal lives that would rival any flood. Or, like a tornado leveling an entire neighborhood, our world can feel like it’s been obliterated by some trial. What are we supposed to do in those moments? How do we pick up the pieces when the storm has done its damage? Is there any hope for those who feel like a boat in the center of a hurricane?
To answer those questions, we must understand who Jesus is.
Luke takes a significant portion of his gospel account to specifically explore the question, “Who is Jesus?” (cf. 4:34; 5:21; 7:19, 49) And he shows us that even the people closest to Jesus—i.e., the apostles—had to grapple with Jesus' identity. And one of the best passages that illustrates this comes in chapter 8.
One day, he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Luke 8:22-25 (ESV)
There are three ways that Luke shows us that Jesus’ identity is divine:
First, Jesus confirmed the destination.
Do not overlook that before there was a storm, Jesus told the disciples where they’d end up. He said, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” Now, if a mere mortal (such as ourselves) said something that, we wouldn't be declaring a fact. We'd be explaining our intentions. But, with Jesus, this statement meant something more. If he said something would happen, it would happen. His word is as good as reality. So, even though the disciples will shortly run into a storm, the Lord already knew where they’d end up.
Jesus may not reveal all that's ahead of us; however, never forget that no matter what you face, should you be a believer, your destination is already set. By God's grace, you will make it to wherever Jesus is sending you.
Secondly, Jesus commanded the storm.
It's funny. While Luke said the disciples were "in danger,” when they woke Jesus, the apostles said, "We are perishing!" Admittedly, some of the disciples were seasoned fishermen, so I do not want to discount their read on the storm. But it seems like a fair bit of exaggeration is happening here. Regardless, had they truly understood who was in the boat with them, they would’ve known they’d make it through the storm, even if it had been a category five hurricane. Yet, despite the disciples' exasperation, Jesus calmed the seas and hushed the skies. Though the Lord knew they would've survived the storm, he stopped it anyway.
What a sight that must’ve been! Being rocked by the seas and then, suddenly, everything going still. Like a child who had just been chastened, the wind, which had been throwing a massive temper tantrum, abruptly went quiet. More than the chaos that proceeded it, the silence that followed had to have been deafening. And who was at the center? Jesus. There he stood, the seas as smooth as glass and the skies as clear as crystal.
Do you know what monsters fear? Do you know what makes titans tremble? Do you know what keeps the devils up at night? Jesus. With nothing but a word, the Lord could banish a demon horde to the pit (cf. Lu. 8:31). Jesus Christ is what all bogeymen dread. Thus, even the storm of the century ought not shake our resolve. Thunderclouds beckon their allegiance to the Son of God. Lightning bolts bow their knees before the King of the universe. The wind stands at attention when the Captain of angel armies ambles by.
Lastly, Jesus—i.e., the Setter of Destinations and Calmer of Storms—used this moment to challenge the disciples.
The Lord asked them, “Where is your faith?” It seems the storm had apparently blown their faith away. Jesus, looking at these followers, could not find even a little bit of it left. They were supposed to weather this test, but these men had failed.
Storms have a way of making us question our faith. They have a way of making us forget Jesus’ words. But the same God who tells us, "Let us go across to the other side…” is the same God in the boat with us. He has not left us. It is we who have forgotten his word. It is our faith that has waned. Though God has guaranteed our destination, we are the ones who think we're not going to make it.
Oh, how often has our faith been broken and bent during challenging times? How many of us have cried, "GOD HELP ME! I'M NOT GONNA MAKE IT!" Why is it so? It is like we have spiritual amnesia, and we've forgotten all of God's promises. When we are hit by a storm, it is not that we must be rescued from that storm. No. Instead, we must believe all the more. Storms may be scary, but if we trust in the One in the boat with us, we will not sink.
In response to Jesus’ question, the disciples said, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” If only they knew the answer to that question like we do. Jesus is God, and knowing Jesus’ identity makes every hardship navigable.
Take heart, dear Christian. You do not ride the open seas alone. Captain Jesus has already confirmed your destination, has command of all creation, and is ever-challenging us to believe in His name.
The Lord rides the waves with us, and as such, we have nothing to fear.
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