On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. ... And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat ... But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:35-36a, 37a, 38)
Storms can be scary—especially when you're in a tiny boat far from shore. Even the disciples who had spent their whole lives on boats were frightened. Would they go to the bottom this time?
So they woke Jesus up. They whined: "Don't You even care we're going to die?" So Jesus sat up, dealt with the storm, and then asked His disciples: "Why are you so afraid?"
He could say the same thing to you and me, couldn't He? We have storms in our lives—sickness and danger and grief and loss, things that threaten to swamp our tiny boats. We know we could go under so easily. Of course, we're afraid!
And yet, we have Jesus. As long as He is with us, we're not going to perish. Even if it looks like He's asleep, we're going to make it. The storm knows its Master!
So what should we do when we are frightened? Just what the disciples did, though hopefully with better manners! We can ask God for help, knowing that He has all power. We can trust in Him to save us. After all, He loves us enough to die for us—yes, and to rise again so that we can have everlasting life. Because He loves us, we are safe in His hands.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, when I am afraid, help me trust in You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you like storms? Why or why not?
* What storms have you had in your life?
* How has Jesus helped you survive those storms?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 36-38 Mark 4:1-20
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