Peace in the Storm ...

Last night I was awakened by the storm that came sweeping through town. The wind and rain and thunder kept me awake for some time as I thought about one of my favorite stories in scripture. The story of Jesus calming the storm is told in the three Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus had been teaching near the Sea of Galilee. Afterwards, He wanted some rest from the crowds so He decided to take a boat with the apostles to the opposite shore where there were no large towns. The Bible reports not long after they sailed, Jesus fell asleep and a storm arose.

Matthew 8:24 says, “Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”

The men with Jesus began to cry out in fear and desperation. Jesus woke up and “Rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” This is a beautiful glimpse into the humanity and divinity of Jesus. What could be more human than sleeping after a long day of work? And what could be more divine than rebuking a storm and watching it stop a moment later?

A more literal translation of the phrase would be “Peace, be muzzled!” It’s as though Jesus were speaking to a wild animal. And here’s what’s great: Jesus didn’t promise the disciples that the journey would be smooth sailing, but He did say, “Let us cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35). In the same way, the Bible says that God will complete the work He has begun in you (see Philippians 1:6). Every time a storm hits, we can remember that You will reach the other side when Jesus is with you.

This Sunday I’ll be starting a new series at First Baptist Church that’s all about Joy based on the amazing letter of Philippians. If you need joy in your life, I pray that you’ll join us or any of the other wonderful churches in Lamb County.

Love You all, Pastor Tanner Wilson