Title: Quiet Ocean
Content: Be still, sea (Matthew 8:23-27)
Today's text reads that as Jesus and his disciples slept through Galilee in a boat, tired from his work, a great wave and a gust of wind hit him. The Sea of Galilee is geographically prone to frequent gusts of wind. This means a life without wind. The disciples were confused and the fisherman disciples tried their best, but to no avail. And when we die, we wake up Jesus saying that we are going to die. Jesus got up and rebuked, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" And he commanded the sea to be still. This event is also recorded in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. According to Mark 4:35, Jesus told us to cross over to the other side. The other side to cross is the future, and there is hope. For Christians, sticking to and staying in one place is dangerous. Running water does not rot. For Abraham, who left without knowing where he was going, God blessed him by forming a great nation and making his name great.
The disciples were in a boat with Jesus, and a great storm arose. Just because you believe in Jesus, the storm won't go away. You can face any difficulties. Even Christians do not avoid tribulation and adversity (James 1:2). Adversity is as unpredictable as a car accident. However, the storm is another blessing, so we should not blame ourselves or judge that we have been punished.
But why didn't the disciples wake Jesus up?
Jesus is tired, so let's give him some rest. This is because the disciples did not have the belief that Jesus would calm the sea.
Isn't this what I look like? How often do you doubt the power of God despite seeing many miracles and signs! Even today, in the midst of an absolute crisis, there are many people who do not seek Jesus. But Jesus can calm the raging waves. When the storms of life come, we need to wake up the Lord by saying, “Lord, save us, for we are about to die” (verse 25). He said, 'Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will glorify me'.
What did Jesus say when he woke up? “Why are you afraid, you of little faith!” (26) And he calmly rebuked his disciples. A common problem of modern people is fear of the future. But do not be afraid. (Isaiah 41:10, 43:1-2) Jesus is with me, so how can a storm swallow him up? (Romans 8:35, 39) I told Moses to save the people of Israel. He said that he would be with you, and promised Joshua, who was humble, that he would be with him as he was with Moses, and that he would never leave nor forsake him, and told him to be strong and courageous.
Quiet the sea! This is not to say that whenever there is a storm, it will calm the storm. Sometimes it calms the raging sea, but sometimes it gives the strength to overcome the raging waves. Jesus moves the mountains that are blocking the way, and gives us the strength to go over them.
God is always with us. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Not only the flat road, but also the rough valley. Not only when you are healthy, but also when you are sick. We work together when things go according to plan, but we work together even when things don't go as planned.
Why are you afraid, you of little faith! As Peter was walking on the water, he saw a great storm and was afraid and fell into the water. Jesus stretched out his hand and rebuked him, 'Why are you afraid, you of little faith? Jesus blesses those who have great faith and rebukes those who have little faith. A centurion, a 12-year-old woman with a blood clot, and the mother of a demon-possessed daughter were praised for their great faith. God gives us great opportunities to give us great blessings.
Is there a case where my vessel of faith is too small to miss out on that great blessing? Let's become the main character of great faith!
<Conclusion> Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea, and the sea was calm. How can the sea be calm? Because Jesus is the one who created the world with the Word. There is only one person who can calm the storm, give peace, calm the storm in my heart, lead me to peace, and save me. There is only one person, Jesus Christ. Life was a voyage. Where is life without storms? A road I've never been on in my life, I don't know what awaits me tomorrow. There are so many things about North Korea's nuclear program, politics, economy and frustration. How can you live without fear? Leave it all to Jesus. Jesus came to visit me and you in the midst of a storm, and said, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith!” He rebukes, but promises, “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). If you believe in Jesus' promise of blessing, please say Amen