Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Archives for June 22, 2006

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Mark 4:35-41 (NRSV)

Read Mark 4:35-41 on biblegateway.com

Verse 35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." Verse 36And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. Verse 37A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. Verse 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Verse 39He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. Verse 40He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" Verse 41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Devotion

This week’s gospel is that marvelous account of Jesus calming the storm. I find it interesting that as this story begins, it is Jesus who invites his disciples into the boat and out onto the lake. Similarly, this journey we call “life” was God’s idea, not ours. And maybe we can say the same about the journey of faith. Recall in John’s gospel the words of Jesus to his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

Jesus beckons us, “Let’s get into the boat.” As the story unfolds we learn that following Jesus is not always peaceful. Some of our greatest adventures with Jesus will be in the storms of life, when it is dark and all seems lost.

Yet, as Jesus stilled the storm, so he brings lasting peace, peace that passes all understanding, into our lives. Jesus loves you. He cares for you. He is merciful, yes, but also powerful enough to bring peace amidst your storms.

Prayer

Gracious God, enter once again into our lives to bring peace and calm today. Empower us to be peacemakers in the different roles we play. Amen.

Tim Selbo Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, Ariz.