Friday, week three: Storms and faith (Devotions for Lent from the Gospel of Mark)

Don’t you care that we are dying?

The disciples’ question isn’t so different from ours. When we face our most challenging and frightening moments, we too wonder where Jesus is and how he can allow such things to happen.

Don’t you care that we are suffering? How can you sleep at a time like this?

To add serious insult to the disciples’ injury, Jesus is present, sleeping through their trauma. Don’t we also wonder if Jesus notices or cares about us?

Jesus stills the storm, but there is more to this story than Jesus’ authority over nature. There are two less obvious places to find relief and hope.

First, Jesus is in the boat. That’s cause for reassurance. Whatever danger the disciples face on the sea, Jesus is in it with them. They may be freaked out and terrified, but Jesus is with them. They are not alone. He has made exceptional claims, exhibited extraordinary power, and is with them in the storm.

Second, Jesus is asleep. That’s cause for celebration. The disciples might be terrified, but Jesus isn’t fazed. He’s so calm that he has no problem falling asleep. Jesus isn’t scared at all. If he isn’t scared, why should they be?

Storms come. Storms go. Faith calls the disciples to see what isn’t so obvious. Faith calls them to remember Jesus is with them. Faith calls them to trust in the calm presence of Jesus when they are freaked out and terrified.

Jesus isn’t nearly as interested in the storm as he is in the faith of his disciples. He calms the storm so they can focus on his question, Where is your faith?

Text for the day:

Mark 4:35-41

Things to think about:

This is the disciples’ experience. It says something about the lives and the possibilities of those who are trying to draw near to Jesus in faith.

Things to do:

Wake Jesus up. Ask him for what you most need.

Jesus, help me to see reassurance and joy in my troubles.