by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 8:23 KJV) "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
(Mat 8:24 KJV) And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
(Mat 8:25 KJV) And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
At one time or another we've all experienced a rain storm. Thanks to modern media and Doppler radar we even know about thunderstorms and enjoy the benefits of a National Weather Service who issues warnings of impending severe weather.
When a thunderstorm graduates into a tornado or hurricane this goes beyond "ordinary" and becomes a "great" or "severe" storm. People in a tornado or hurricane's path seek shelter and pray for personal safety and minimum property loss.
This was similar to the case in the scripture passage quoted above when the disciples, seasoned fisherman who were no strangers to storms, became so alarmed at the "great tempest" that they all thought they were going to die. Notice what happens when Jesus intervenes:
(Mat 8:26 KJV) "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."
I love these words: "…and there was a great calm." Please note that it was not an ordinary, common, expected, or normal calm. It was not a customary or traditional calm. No, the Bible says it was a "great calm." It was a calm that could be felt.
Just like the "great tempest" provoked thoughts of fear of perishing in the disciples so the "great calm" provoked thoughts of wonder and amazement:
(Mat 8:27 KJV) "But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"
When God shows up on the scene of a tornado, hurricane, blizzard, earthquake, mudslide, volcanic eruption, or any other natural disaster that can be named…the "great-ness of God" can be seen in the midst. In a God-charged atmosphere, the ordinary can become extraordinary; unplanned meetings can become divine appointments; unexpected detours can become non-scheduled delights brimming with the simple pleasures of God's provision and power.
(Psa 16:11 KJV) "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
So there you have it, right there plain as day in God's Word - a "great tempest" followed by a "great calm" resulting from a three-word command from Jesus, the Author of Life.
Now here are a few principles from the passage I believe the Holy Spirit wants to teach us:
I firmly believe that the Lord wants us to come to such a place of security in our relationship with God that if Jesus is in our boat, all is well regardless of the storms raging around us. In other words, we become convinced that the safest place on earth is in the center of God's will. I also believe God wants us to learn to trust Him no matter what. I believe God wants us to experience a "great calm" IN the storm not just AFTER the storm. Not only that, I also believe that Jesus would have been extremely pleased if one of His disciples had taken the initiative to exercise "great faith" against the "great tempest" and commanded the "great calm" to come as Jesus was so painstakingly trying to train them to walk in the authority of the believer. That's a cue for us if we can take the hint.
(John 14:12 NIV) "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Jesus, Prince of Peace, please help us to walk daily in a continual state of "the great calm" that you afford those who believe and trust in Your name and in Your Word. Amen.
DSR
6/15/03