Our scripture this morning is Luke 8:22-25.
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”
Jesus focused His ministry on people, teaching and healing and showing us the way to a full relationship with God through Him. When He and the disciples are threatened by a storm on the lake, He saves them by His power over “even the wind and waves”. Jesus does this not to prove to the elements He is the Messiah; they already know! Sadly, we seem to be the only part of creation that fails to recognize Him.
In John 1 we are told that “through Him all things were created”. Of course nature knows who He is and obeys Him. We were created through Him as well. Why do we have such a problem seeing Jesus as our savior?
We are different from other created things, made in the image of God and given free will to make choices. This is our blessing, but it also places the responsibility for our actions on us and our decisions. We must come to know Him not only as our brother but also as the Son of God Almighty. This is the call that is placed on our lives, to see Jesus as He is, confess our sins, and live a new life in Him.
Gracious God, we are sorry to be so slow to realize our mistakes and accept Your mercy. Help us to follow the path You have for us, and share Your love with all the world. Amen.