Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 8:27, ” So the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’ ” 

Background

I wonder how many different hierarchies you will be a part of today? At home, you are most likely the parent and top dog, the one who rules over all. At work, there are countless hierarchies you might experience, some overt and official, and others more subtle and less perceptible. At times you may have authority over much, and other times you may have very little say regarding what happens (this might sound like home for some spouses, but we won’t get into that now). Among your friends, it can vary greatly depending on the makeup of the group and the circumstances of the gathering. An outspoken leader in one situation might be a quiet follower in another. So, no matter the situation, each of us knows what to expect and the limits to our authority. But for the disciples, they seemed to struggle when it came to understanding the extent to which Christ’s authority reached. They would witness miraculous healings but wonder how Jesus would feed the crowd. They saw Him reach out to the lowliest of the low, and then they would argue about who would be the greatest among them. 

Application

So it comes as no surprise when they all are in the boat and a great storm blows in suddenly, that the disciples are terrified and wake Jesus up to save them. That fits their normal M.O. of expecting something marvelous from Him. But it also is not shocking that they are amazed when Jesus speaks and instantly calms the storm. Their hope in Christ to do something once again led them to be clueless as to what He could actually do. Did they expect Him to somehow bale all the water out and single-handedly row them to shore unharmed? How else did they expect Him to save them? Their little faith is like a dose of reality for how we trust and obey our Lord. We might call out for Him, believing He can help, but we don’t really see how He can help us this particular time. We believe it in theory, but in reality we struggle to give Him all authority. But reality is exactly where He operates. And all authority is what He has. So call to Him, and expect to be answered. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to remind you of His faithfulness in your life. Remember how He has been there for you, and believe that His goodness is still boundless, no matter what you might face. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words