And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" Mark 4:39-40

Throughout the world, most of Christianity has begun its celebration of Holy Week.

With repentant hearts, the Christ's redeemed remember how the crowds welcomed the Savior into Jerusalem. But they also recall how, a few days later, crowds screamed for Jesus' crucifixion.

Crowds can be fickle like that. Their opinions flip like pancakes.

Almost 1,000 years ago, a king by the name of Canute, grew tired of the false flattery of the people gathered around him. To show the limitations of his power, Canute had his throne taken to the seashore. With a stern voice, he commanded the tide not to come in.

You won't be surprised to hear, in spite of the kingly decree, the waves came crashing in anyway.

In my readings, I am convinced there has been only one person in all of history who has had the power to stop the waves: Jesus of Nazareth. In fact, on the Sea of Galilee, the Savior showed He could stop a storm with one word.

Still, as impressive as that display of power was, Jesus showed even greater strength by not responding to the cries of the crowds, or defending Himself against those who lied about Him, beat Him, and crucified Him.

In order to save us, Jesus put His powers on hold and died in our place. This He did because He never forgot His work -- first, foremost, and always -- was to complete His Father's plan of salvation. On behalf of Lutheran Hour Ministries, I invite you to join us this Holy Week in giving thanks to God for His Son of power: Jesus, the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for Your Son's sacrifice. To believe in a Redeemer who holds the power to stop wind and wave and, at the same time, set aside that power in order to save us is, well, almost unbelievable. Lord, help all the world believe in this wonderful Savior. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


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In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 32-34    Luke 8:26-56

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