A true story of how Christ stilled the storm that broke suddenly on lake Galilee.
At the time, Jesus was crossing the lake by boat.
His disciples were with him.
Jesus had gone to sleep.
There arose a fierce gale that threatened to sink the boat.
The disciples woke him up crying, "Lord, save us, we are perishing!"
Jesus calmed the storm immediately with three words: "Peace! Be still!"
This miracle illustrates the power of Christ.
However we can also see some important truths about ourselves illustrated by the disciples who were in the boat with Jesus.
1. We Have Little Security
When the lake was calm, the disciples felt safe enough in the boat.
Yet when the storm arose the boat offered them little security.
We all have "boats" --material things we rely upon. Health, homes, jobs, etc.
But the truth is, "A person’s life does not consist in his possessions"(Lke 12:15).
Even the king of Babylon in all his splendor was to hear the taunt, "How you have fallen O star of the morning!" You have been cut to the ground!"(Isa 14:4,12).
2. We Have Little Faith
When the disciples woke Jesus, he said, "Why are you so afraid? Why so little faith?"
At first that sounds silly. It was obvious why they were afraid.
Yet since they were looking to Jesus to save them, they were showing some faith and hope in him. Why then were they in so much fear for their lives?
It was because of the littlenessof their faith.
On another occasion the disciples said, "Lord, increase our faith"(Lke 17:5)
A man once asked Jesus to heal his son. "If you can heal him, take pity". Jesus replied, "What do you mean, 'if' I can?" The man said, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"(Mrk 9:14-27).
We can all identify with the problem of having a little faith but needing much more faith than we have.
3. Christ Has Unlimited Power
Jesus calmed the storm immediately with three words: "Peace! Be still!"
A demonstration of his power.
He demonstrated his power many times, most especially when he arose from the dead.
Notice in passing that many people today claim supernatural power, but none has ever been able to say to a storm "Be still!" and have the storm obey.
The disciples were afraid twice in this story.
They were afraid when the storm threatened their lives (Mrk 4:40).
They were afraid when the storm ceased (Mrk 4:41).
The second fear was awe in the face of Christ’s unlimited power.
Conclusion to lesson
Do not trust in material things. They are not as secure as they might seem. The person who trusts in earthly things has little security (Mtt 6:19-21).
Be aware of the littleness of our faith, and seek increase of faith from Jesus Christ. For "The righteous shall live by faith"(Rom 1:17).
Do not be afraid of the storms of life, but be in awe of the power of Christ and let him be our shepherd and protector (Psa 23:1,4, Heb 13:6).