Authority over nature
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 4:35-41
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Reflect
Jesus’ disciples have been with Him as He healed people and cast out demons. Now they are terrified when a sudden storm arises and threatens to completely overwhelm them. They cry out to Jesus for help and are amazed when Jesus calms the wind and the waves, demonstrating His authority over nature, as well. Now they are overwhelmed, not by the storm, but by the incredible power of Jesus that has saved them. “What kind of man is this?”
Closing prayer
Merciful God, help us to never underestimate your power to save. In times of trouble, may we remember that you are with us and are greater than any of our fears. Amen.