Don't Wake Jesus!

In Mark 4 a huge storm rose with the disciples in the boat while Jesus was sleeping. The disciples were scared and woke Jesus up.

Mark 4:37-40 says

"But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

When I've read this story I've always thought two things. 1. How were the disciples supposed to know they should've rebuked the winds and waves instead of waking Jesus? 2. Jesus seemed a little harsh with His response to the disciples.

However this morning, I had a new thought on this portion of scripture. Maybe the point was not that they should've handled the storm at all. Maybe Jesus was saying why would you fear when I'm right here in the boat with you. Why such little faith in Me? Haven't I proven Myself to you? That makes more sense to me than what I've always thought these scriptures meant.

As I go through storms and am still going through this current one, this concept hits home. I've had moments where I feel like my boat is breaking and I'm sinking. I'm about to drown and I yell at God "Why won't You do something? Don't You see this storm about to wipe me out?" Yet I've forgotten God has seen my storm, because He's right in the boat with me.

Jesus' action of sleeping is symbolic for rest and peace. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Reading into verse 30, it's relief for those struggling with the weight of life. It's relief even as we walk through the storms of life.

Additionally in Psalm 62, David talks about his enemies coming after him. He is being attacked. But in the midst of all the chaos and danger what does he say? Verse 5 says "Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from Him." In the midst of David's storm, he found rest in God. David found rest because of his faith in God. He knew God intimately. He had spent time developing a relationship with Him; getting to know Him. The disciples in Mark 4, still didn't grasp who Jesus was. At the end of that story they asked in verse 41 "...Who is this man? they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey Him!" They still didn't get it. If they did, they wouldn't have feared. If they really understood Jesus was the Messiah they wouldn't have wasted time with worry. Instead they would've reclined, kicked their feet up and said "Is that all you got storm!" But they didn't realize they had God Himself, in the flesh, sleeping in their boat. They didn't recognize Jesus.

I don't want to go through life not recognizing Jesus. Yes, He is my redeemer from sin, but there is still so much more to Him. He does not dwell in the past of the cross, but is here active and tangible in my present. He is all powerful and nothing is impossible for Him. (Matthew 19:26)

Lastly the final thing that sticks out from this portion is, it was Jesus' idea to get in the boat! I find that both funny and inspiring. Funny because God will not ask you to do something and then be like "See ya!". Then He jumps out the boat moonwalking over the waves while I drown! He's not twisting His mustache like a 1920's villain saying "They fell for it. Now for my exit!" No. If God told you to get in the boat He's not leaving you. When He asks us to step out in faith it is unspoken assurance that He's going too.

When God told Abram to go to a new land, He said to go to the place He would show Him. He was going with Him. (Genesis 12:1) When the children of Israel were journeying to the Promised Land, God was a cloud by day and fire by night. (Exodus 13:21) God went with them. God goes with us! If God is challenging you to step out in faith and do something, He is going with you. You will never be truly alone. Take that assurance and confidence today.

This morning I feel like God has dispelled some of my "stinking thinking". I'm letting go of the thought that God leaves me to my own devices. I'm letting go of the thought that God is harsh and leaves me to figure it out by myself. No. When Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us it wasn't said to just look and sound good. (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6) He said it because He meant it. As I go through trials, storms, and the difficulties my everyday may bring, God is with me. Jesus is with me. If I will have faith in Him, acknowledge who He is, there is no reason to fear. Jesus will lead me to rest and peace in the midst of the storms and waves.

Going back to Mark 4, Jesus was and is saying to not forget He's in the boat with us. Is there anything that can really destroy us with Him there? That thought gives me peace and reassurance today. Again, I can't forget Jesus is in the boat. I'm not doing life, storms, chaos, and going through tribulations by myself. The very Prince of Peace is on my side and extends His peace and rest to me if I'll take it