⁴¹And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?” Mark 4:41

I recall while in Israel, on the sea of Galilee, sailing one night from a kibbutz located on the southeastern shore of the sea of Galilee, to Tiberius. We were in the center of the sea when the captain turns off the motor and lights. We were a drift experiencing the quiet of the night with a canopy of stars luminating the darkness as we sat in silence. Then someone broke the silence with song. Everyone joined in; it was a gospel favorite.

Picture several men in a 27-foot fishing boat on the sea of Galilee during the night. These followers were fishermen by trade and were aware of the dangers the sea presents. The sea of Galilee is surrounded by hills with an opening to the northwest of the sea. The winds from the west are funneled through this opening creating very hazardous conditions for those on the water.

A horrible wind came roaring through the northwestern gap onto the sea. The disciples in the boat, while Jesus was sleeping, were terrified because they either had experienced or heard stories of peril, even death, for those caught in such a violent squall. So, they called to Jesus to save them from impending disaster. Then Jesus called out and calmed the storm.

How many times have we, as believers, forgotten about Jesus until we have a crisis? Then we call out to him and he calms our fears? Life is like the sea, calm and serene. Then in a moment, it can become dark and dangerous. Unlike the sea, Jesus never changes. His love for us remains constant.

Prayer: Lord, never let me forget you love me and will protect especially when I cry out in fear. You promised to always be with us until the end of the age. AMEN.

Contributed by Conrad Griggs