A good nap is one of God’s great blessings. It is even better when it is well-earned after demanding work.
Mark 4 tells a story that demonstrates both the humanity and deity of our Lord Jesus. After a full day of ministry on the shores of Galilee, Jesus tells his disciples to get into boats to cross the lake. He goes to the stern of the boat, grabs a cushion, and takes a nap. It is comforting to know that Jesus experienced that good kind of tired that comes from a solid day of ministry. His need for a nap did not show weakness, but humanity.
While Jesus napped, a violent storm arose. Perhaps Jesus was enjoying the rocking of the boat. The disciples reacted differently. These men who had likely experienced dangerous weather on this lake before became afraid for their lives. With this urgency they awaken Jesus and question him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Mark 4:38 (NASB)
Without skipping a beat, Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind and waves, and said,
“Hush, be still.”
Mark 4:39 (NASB)
The storm was immediately replaced with a calm sea. In this moment, God the Son demonstrated his power over creation. They had watched him heal sickness and cast out demons, but they had no idea he had power over wind and waves.
Jesus looks at them and asks the hard questions:
“Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”
Mark 4:40 (NASB)
Jesus cuts to heart of the matter. Wasn’t he the one who told them to get into the boats and cross the sea? Had he not shown them his power to protect them up to this point? What more did he need to do to prove to them that he was the Messiah? Yet, they feared for their lives while he was in the boat.
The Christian life will not be without trouble. In fact, Jesus promised us trouble. In John 16 Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Jesus did not come so that we would have lives devoid of struggle, but that we would experience complete dependence on and faith in him as our sustainer and protector.
Mark 4:41 records the disciples’ responses to Jesus. Their fear of the storm was replaced with a different kind of fear. They became terrified and asked one another,
“Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4:41 (NASB)
They realized they were in the presence of one who is greater than their circumstances. They began to fear the Lord by recognizing who he was and what he is capable of.
Proverbs 9:10 (NASB) teaches us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” You may be afraid or anxious today about many things that you have no control over. Like the disciples, you are struggling to understand why you are in your current situation. Your faith has been weakened by the fear you are experiencing. Take heart, because Jesus cares for you and he has the power to do something about your circumstances. Place your faith and your fear in him alone.
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are those who fear the Lord alone, for their faith will be strengthened. If you want a stronger faith, examine what you are afraid of. God is bigger than your problems, and he cares for you.
Steve Laughman
Steve Laughman serves as the Mission Strategist for the Centennial Baptist Association, a partnership of over forty churches seeking to make disciples together. He also serves as an elder at The Rock Church where he and his wife, Marni, are members. For more information about the ministries of the Centennial Baptist Association, go to centennialbaptistassociation.
