Note that the disciples didn't ask Jesus to stop the storm, at least not directly. Their focus was more on whether or not he cared that they were perishing. How could he possibly sleep under such circumstances, didn't he take into consideration their feelings, thoughts and, yes, even lives? What was he thinking? What was it they were hoping or looking for in him, just a word of comfort and hope as the ship went down?

I ask that because what happens next and their response to it might suggest they never saw it coming which, I think, is the case. Adding their screaming voices to that of the wind howling about the boat Jesus calmly wakes up, takes note of what's going on and rebukes the wind and the sea and both responded appropriately. There was  a dead calm. A quick turn of the head back toward the disciples with these words "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" and the story is over. Over, except that you can almost see the disciples eyes widen in awe and wonder as they say to each other, "Who is this that even the wind and sea obey him?" They never saw that coming, one who had authority even over nature. And the ministry grows as the reality of the Kingdom of God expands exponentially in the midst of that sea.

Jesus is full of surprises, isn't he? Calms seas. Heals lepers. Raises the dead. Turns over tables in the temple. Water to wine. Dies for us so that we might be forgiven and made right with God.  What? Wait! Who is this that would give his life for us and for our salvation? Who could possibly love us enough to do such a thing? This, this is Christ the King who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven and died our death and was raised to new life so that we might be his and live under him in his kingdom.

This is the One who is with us as our boats take on water and wakes to remove fear and offer peace. This is the Messiah foretold, the Promised One in whom we live and move and have our being. This is salvation and hope and new life. Does he care that we are going down with the boat? Without a doubt. Look only to the cross and then beyond to the empty tomb and listen well to these words, Peace, be still 

Let Us Pray

XFor our enemies

X  For this synod as we focus on our future, allowing the Spirit to guide and direct us.

X  For Pastor Norma Malfatti and the people of God at Christ the King as their ministry together comes to an end and a new chapter in life begins for them and for Norma as she begins as our new Director for Evangelical Mission.

XWith thanks for those who work our fields and put food on our table yet remain nameless and hidden and often forgotten.

X  For honest, open and essential conversations around the issue of racism in this country and our own lives that we might soon realize we are all sisters and brothers in Christ

Quote:

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.

Willa Cather