Devotional Tuesday: Power, Water, and Wind

The power of Jesus in our world

Photo by Georg Eiermann

Jesus Calms a Storm

²³ And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. ²⁴ And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. ²⁵ And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” ²⁶ And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. ²⁷ And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Matthew 8: 23-27

Observations:

Like any normal person, the disciples are not accustomed or comfortable with being in dangerous situations. When confronted with the powerful storm on the Sea of Galilee, they are filled with fear. There is a distinction made in this passage—Jesus is not afraid, and the disciples are afraid.

The disciples were about to die. They claim to be “perishing.” This was not a minor inconvenience or disruption. This was an act of God. We would liken it to hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. This storm was something they would die in without the intervention or a miracle.

When Jesus calms the storm, they describe the result as a great calm. Not just calm, but they add a significant adjective. There was a distinguishable peace that came as a result of Jesus’s work. Peace often follows tragedy, but not often instantly. Especially not without a miracle. Jesus shows power in a physical and visual way that the disciples are able to see.

Interpretation:

This story is a testament of the miraculous and divine power of Jesus. Each of the iterations of this story in the gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) highlight the great power and wonder of Jesus’s work.

²⁷ And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

The work of Jesus is powerful.

When we see Jesus speak in this world, things begin to change. People cannot explain the signs of God. This story is a testament of Jesus’s power, but it is also a testament of Jesus’s identity. In Psalm 107, the psalmist describes the wondrous works of the Lord and his steadfast love. He offers this line…

28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.

29 He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.

31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

Psalm 107:28–31

This was written well before Jesus walked the earth. Jesus reveals himself to be the one that the people longed for—the revelation of God among people.

Jesus’s power comes from being the one true God.

Life Application:

Jesus has power over the earth. That is a clear fact from the story of the wind and waves. Further, Jesus is aware of this power. He fulfills the description of the psalmist from Psalm 107.

Jesus is keenly aware of the plagues of this world. Most importantly, Jesus is aware of his power and ability to bring peace to a world filled with chaos.

Have faith when crying out for Jesus. Call out in faith—not fear—knowing that he is able to bring peace to your life merely by speaking. Jesus will bring peace to you.