Day 3
Reading: Mark 4:21–41
SOAP: Mark 4:39–41
So he got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Be quiet! Calm down!” Then the wind stopped, and it was dead calm. And he said to them, “Why are you cowardly? Do you still not have faith?” They were overwhelmed by fear and said to one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and sea obey him!”
Today’s reading first explicitly asks, “Where is your faith?” in the account of Jesus stilling the storm. The disciples had walked with Jesus for some time. They saw Him reveal His deity, power, compassion, and authority many times. They knew what He could do. This scene, however, revealed their persistent lack of faith.
Jesus calmed the storm, despite the disciples’ lack of faith. He did not stand still in their panic; He responded to their need. In our greatest need, do we panic for lack of faith, or do we trust Jesus, in whom we have placed our eternal hope? How do we answer Mark’s second question of “Where is your faith?” in light of what we have learned so far (in our study and in life) of who Jesus is?
Jesus rebukes and calms storms. We have no need to fear. Nothing is a surprise to Him, even if He seems to be sleeping in the middle of our storm. He controls all things. He is always at work, orchestrating all things for His glory and our good. Who is Jesus? He is the calmer of storms. Will you respond in faith?
Lord, I often forget how powerful You are. I slip into worry and fear, not knowing what is around the next corner, when I should be living in faith. Your hand is on everything. Help me trust You more and have great faith. Amen.