Peace, Be Still!

"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." (1)

All day Jesus had been teaching and healing and as evening came on the crowds still pressed on Him. He said to His disciples, "Let's cross over to the other side." They left the multitude and took Jesus in a boat, with other boats following, and headed off toward the other side of the lake. "And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (2)

The disciples, hardy fishermen as they were, had spent their lives on the lake, and had guided their boats through many storms. But now their strength and skill were tested to the limits, the boat was filling with water, and they were afraid they would perish. How could Jesus rest so peacefully while they were in danger and battling with death? As their cry awakes Jesus, the lightning's glare reveals His face, clear and calm. "Lord, save us, we are perishing!"

He who spoke peace to the storm on Galilee has spoken the word of peace to every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, "Lord, save us," will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles us to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. "He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (3)

1. Mark 4:39.
2. Mark 4:35-41.
3. Psalm 107:29-31.