Luther Seminary

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

Friday, June 23, 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

Sometimes it is easier to see God’s activity in hindsight. Take a moment today to look back on your life to see God’s involvement. Maybe you’ve been impacted by God’s word of forgiveness or led by God to abundant life in your relationships or career. No doubt you have been comforted by God’s embrace as you have grieved a loved one.

In today’s text, Jesus quiets the storm with authoritative words: “Peace! Be still!” Amazed, the disciples ask, “Who in the world is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Though not explicitly given, the answer is clear nonetheless. “This is God’s Son, the Messiah. This is the one we’ve been waiting for.” They understood only God can calm the storm (see Psalm 107:29 and 89:9).

Who is this who loves and forgives me and directs my path? Who is this who comforts me in my grief and brings calm amidst my storms? It is Jesus, the very Son of God.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, enter into my fear. Let me know again today that you do care and that you are never far from me. Amen.

Tim Selbo Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, Ariz.

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